A $22.2 million competitive grant was given to Pennsylvania’s energy efficiency program called PA Conservation Works! by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) fund, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced last Tuesday (July 14). Allocations of $250,000 for individual projects and $500,000 for joint projects on the reduction of energy consumption and costs may now be awarded by the program.

Qualified projects would be those that create jobs, can start work within six months, can be completed before September 30, 2011, and renewable energy projects that can reduce at least 25% of a building’s or entity’s energy consumption and costs.

Eligible applicants would be Pennsylvania boroughs, townships and cities with less than 35,000 residents and counties with less than 200,000 residents. Local governments ineligible for direct formula grants from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program will receive 60% of the PA Conservation Works! fund.

Applications will be accepted starting tomorrow (July 17) through the Environmental eGrants system at www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us. Deadline of application is on August 14.

"Many smaller, local government and non-profit groups are interested in reducing their energy use and saving money. They have shovel-ready projects, but may be hampered by a lack of funding because of the economy. Through President Obama's Recovery Act we can infuse up to $250,000 to help make these projects a reality. Additionally, a 25 percent reduction in energy-related costs means local governments and communities will have more money to dedicate to other projects," Governor Rendell said.

"Federal recovery money is making a difference in Pennsylvania. Our citizens are ambitious and innovative. They have great ideas on how to conserve energy, make our environment cleaner, put people to work, stimulate the economy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. PA Conservation Works! will help do that," Governor Rendell added.

- Jen Balboa