Governor Paterson Announces $40 Million in Stimulus Funding for State Energy Program Projects

ALBANY, NY (03/01/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson today announced that $40 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding has been awarded to New York municipalities, public schools, universities and colleges, hospitals and not-for-profit agencies to support 118 energy conservation projects. The energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean fleet projects will reduce energy and operating costs by $13.5 million annually and fully return the initial investment in just under 7 years.

"At a time when many are working with less, we must make wise investments that both create savings and plan for our future. These funds will provide public and non-profit entities with critical resources needed to make long-term investments that will reduce their energy costs and save taxpayers money," Governor Paterson said. "These projects will invigorate the State's economy, heighten the demand for clean renewable technologies, and help put New Yorkers to work in the clean energy economy. I applaud President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for their work to secure these critical funds that promote economic recovery, energy independence and strong environmental stewardship."

The projects, which were competitively selected through the State Energy Program, represent the program's second round of funding that will total $74 million. Additional awards are expected to be made before the end of the year. Measures funded include installation of lighting and lighting controls, heating, cooling and controls, building envelope, photovoltaic systems, high efficiency biomass boilers, solar thermal, small wind generators and alternative-fuel refueling stations and vehicles.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Francis J. Murray said: "The federal stimulus program is providing critical funding to help local governments, hospitals, colleges and universities, and non-profit agencies reduce their energy costs while helping New York reduce its overall energy consumption and our impact on the environment. The energy conservation measures this funding supports will help create jobs and make meaningful progress towards meeting Governor David Paterson's ambitious energy reduction goals. NYSERDA looks forward to working with the award recipients to help them achieve the greatest savings possible."

The following tables show the distribution of funds by region and by sector:

NYSERDA received more than 300 proposals and evaluated on a competitive basis. Primary selection criteria included technical viability, cost-effectiveness, demonstration of compliance with program requirements, and cost sharing. Each awardee must still successfully enter into contract and meet all ARRA requirements prior to funding being released.

Through these awards, New York continues to invest in a clean energy economy and achieve Governor Paterson's goal of meeting 45 percent of the State's energy needs through energy efficiency and renewable energy by 2015. Governor Paterson's '45 by 15' program is one of the nation's most aggressive energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. It is conservatively estimated that this program will create 50,000 new jobs throughout the State.

The next round of funding for the remaining $8.8 million has been announced with proposals due to NYSERDA on April 7, 2010. Visit http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1613rfp.asp for more information about RFP 1613.

A detailed table of the energy conservation projects awarded can be found at: http://www.nyserda.org/economicrecovery/awarded.asp.

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The following statements were provided in support of funding for energy conservation programs:

Congressman Tim Bishop said: "The new funds available through the economic recovery bill will make Long Island communities more energy efficient, create jobs, and reduce energy costs in the future. We are delivering on our promise to invest in green jobs and clean energy technologies that will help turn our economy around while making America energy independent."

Congressman Eliot Engel said: "This money serves a dual purpose of helping Montefiore Medical Center and Rockland County to be more energy efficient. This use of the federal stimulus money will also help the economy on its long road to recovery, which is why I voted for the stimulus package. I thank Governor Paterson for sending this money into the communities to help them in a time of need."

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said: "This is yet another good example of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act at work. This stimulus funding will go a long way to improving both our economy and our environment. Much has been accomplished, and much work remains. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and the State of New York to continue to put people back to work and to protect our environment."

Congressman Paul Tonko said: "The Recovery Act provides for an unprecedented investment in renewable energy infrastructure that will enhance our energy security and provide a boost to our local economies. These projects are an important and necessary down payment as we move to incorporate renewable energy sources into our portfolio and reduce our consumption of imported oil. I want to thank Governor Paterson and NYSERDA for working with the Congressional delegation to set an aggressive clean energy agenda for New York State."

Congressman Edolphus Towns said: "The latest Recovery Act investments in energy conservation projects will give New York's economy a tremendous boost as more New Yorkers will be put to work when our state invests in its energy independence. As jobs are created in the clean energy sector, we will have more resources to ensure that our hospitals and schools, and other widely used buildings, are energy efficient. I applaud Governor Paterson for his efforts to ensure that stimulus funds are being used toward energy efficiency across New York State."

Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari said: "This second round of stimulus funding will enable us to build upon the innovative investments we have made in clean energy and to reduce our overall energy consumption and costs. This is great news for New York's environment and economy and I am grateful to President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for their continued commitment to our environment. I look forward to a cleaner and greener future for all New Yorkers."

Albany County Executive Michael Breslin said: "I am excited nearly 30 energy conservation projects in our region, including four in Albany County, have been awarded federal stimulus funds. These projects are a win-win for the economy and the environment, creating local green jobs, saving energy costs and reducing greenhouse gases."

City of Cohoes Mayor John T. McDonald III said: "The ARRA funding is greatly appreciated here within the City of Cohoes especially at the Cohoes City School District are a great example of proper use of ARRA funding while at the same time moving our cooperative agenda forward as Cohoes is a Climate Smart Community."

Cohoes City School District Superintendent of Schools Robert K. Libby said: "We are proud of the work we have done so far to save energy, but our work is not over. These new funds will allow us to further our quest to reduce our district's energy use, and to pass those savings onto our taxpayers."

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