Senator Begich: Recovery Act Awards Alaska $3 million in Energy Improvement Grants

September 14, 2009 -- U.S. Senator Mark Begich today announced $3 million dollars in energy efficiency block grants to support jobs, cut energy bills, and increase energy independence. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), provides formula grants for projects that reduce total energy use and improve energy efficiency. Five Alaska communities will receive the grants, including more than $2.6 million for Anchorage.

"As temperatures across the state drop and Alaskans prepare for another winter it is a welcome to see that the Recovery Act is providing practical and tangible assistance to our state," Sen. Begich said. "Multiple rounds of energy efficiency grants have already been awarded in the state and spurred green projects and jobs. Communities across the state will use this funding to create jobs and cut energy costs, which are the highest in the country."

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In total, the EECBG Program will award $3.2 billion in grants to more than 2,300 cities, counties, states and Indian tribes nationwide. EECBG funds have already been awarded in Alaska. Activities eligible for EECBG funding include energy audits and building retrofits in the residential and commercial sector, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements.

When Sen. Begich was Mayor of Anchorage, he worked to secure the original authorization for the block grant program through the U.S. Conference of Mayors. As mayor, he recognized the benefits of improving energy efficiency to reduce energy costs and save taxpayers money.

Funding for Boroughs and cities in the state includes:

Aleutians East Borough: $50,000
Anchorage: $2,688,900
Fairbanks: $164,100
Kenai: $50,000
Ketchikan Gateway Borough: $100,000

For a full list of awards to date, visit www.eecbg.energy.gov.

Source: Senator Mark Begich