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Mississippi Gets $9 Million Federal Energy Grant

[Source: The Clarion-Ledger | September 14, 2009]

Mississippi is among 22 states designated to share in more than $354 million in federal stimulus funding to support energy efficiency and conservation activities.

Mississippi will receive $9,593,500 in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to implement programs that lower energy use, reduce carbon pollution, and create green jobs locally, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today.

"This funding will allow states across the country to make major investments in energy solutions that will strengthen America's economy and create jobs at the local level," Chu said in today’s announcement. "Local communities can now make strategic investments to help meet the nation's long term clean energy and climate goals."

Mississippi will use these latest stimulus funds to establish the Sustainable Mississippi Communities Initiative. With technical and financial assistance from the state, communities will develop projects that encompass best practices to conserve resources, create green jobs and a market for those products and services, along with strategic planning for the future. Goals include a 25 percent reduction in building energy usage and optimal operations and maintenance processes and adoption of local building codes.

At least 60 percent of the state’s award will be passed through to local cities and counties not eligible for direct stimulus awards from the Department of Energy.

All grantees have specific measures they must take before spending the full amount awarded, such as ensuring oversight and transparency, submitting a conservation strategy to the Department of Energy, and complying with environmental regulations.

The state already has received $816,900 for projects in Hinds, Warren and Pearl River counties and the city of Tupelo.

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