Monday, November 21, 2011
Grants awarded to create and retain jobs, save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
LANSING – Six Michigan cities, townships and counties have received $399,261 for advanced lighting technology demonstration grants, 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 grants are in addition to 14 that were awarded by the Energy Office in July.
These lighting projects demonstrate how advanced lighting technologies help communities to be more energy efficient while cutting energy costs. Many communities receiving these grants are utilizing Michigan manufacturers for their labor and equipment, assisting in supporting economic development in areas throughout Michigan. The lighting technologies include Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), induction lighting, and plasma lighting. The projects replace or retrofit existing lighting fixtures.
The six Advanced Lighting Technology Demonstration grant winners are:
Leelanau County - $90,000
City of Livonia - $82,125
Green Oak Charter Township - $75,349
City of Owosso - $40,500
Muskegon County - $35,877
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.
