Fourteen Michigan communities receive grants for advanced lighting technology

Grants totaling of $1,066,429

Lansing, MI – Fourteen Michigan cities, villages and counties have received a total of $1,066,429, in advanced lighting technology projects, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced today.

The Advanced Lighting Technology Demonstration Grants were awarded from the Michigan Energy Office through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) for projects that create and retain jobs, save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“The energy and cost savings benefits, plus the maintenance savings due to the longer life of the lamps, are impressive with the newer technology lighting that’s now available. These benefits are more important than ever to local governments in reducing operating expenses,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “In addition, manufacturing of advanced lighting technologies is a growing industry in Michigan and has the potential to create a new source of jobs and investment for local and state economies.”

Local units of government were invited to apply for the funding if they were willing to demonstrate the benefits of advanced commercial lighting technologies, especially if manufactured in Michigan, in their facilities. These lighting technologies include: Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), also known as Solid State Lighting; induction lighting; and plasma lighting, also known as High Efficient Plasma Lighting (HEP). Eligible projects for funding were ones that replace or retrofit existing lighting fixtures

The Michigan Energy Office will require that funded grantees regularly collect, track, and report metrics data related to energy savings, cost savings, jobs created and/or saved, and emissions reductions.

The 14 Advanced Lighting Technology Demonstration Grant winners are:

• City of Wyandotte - $100,000  
• Village of Mackinaw City - $100,000
• City of Mt. Pleasant - $99,743  
• City of Roseville - $81,074  
• City of Hazel Park - $50,150  
• City of Farmington Hills - $81,405  
• City of Houghton - $38,000  
• City of Bay City - $75,600  
• Clinton County - $87,121  
• City of Wayland - $100,000  
• City of Frankenmuth - $76,656  
• City of Iron River - $31,680  
• City of Detroit - $100,000  
• Grand Traverse County - $45,000  

Grants are administered through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, which began in 2009 and ends in 2012. The Recovery Act included more than $2.4 billion for the EECBG Local Government Program, making funding available nationally to reduce energy use and improve energy efficiency in various sectors (buildings, transportation, etc.). In Michigan, $58.3 million was distributed to local governments and federally-recognized tribes directly through this program. 

For additional information on the Michigan EECBG Program, contact Jan Patrick, Manager, EECBG Program Manager, Michigan Energy Office at patrickj@michigan.gov. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.