Senator Johnson Announces State to Receive Additional $11 Million in State Energy Program Funding

October 5, 2009 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) announced today that South Dakota will receive $11 million in energy efficiency and renewable energy project funding from the Department of Energy. These funds are the remaining 50 percent of the State Energy Program (SEP) funding, which was authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Funding will be used through the SEP to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy costs for residences, businesses and local governments.

"The release of today’s funding shows that there is proper oversight and accountability with the Recovery Act,” said Johnson. “I supported the stimulus package because I wanted to create jobs and make investments in our future and this funding is a great example of that.”

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In June, South Dakota received the first half of its total SEP allocation and was able to receive today’s funding once reporting, oversight, and accountability objectives required by the Recovery Act were met.

South Dakota will use its SEP funding to support the Energy Efficient Government program and to issue low-interest loans. The Energy Efficient Government program promotes energy efficiency efforts while reducing energy costs in state owned buildings. Eligible uses of SEP funding including energy audits, building retrofits, education and training and programs to increase the use of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles.

The stimulus package signed by President Obama is focused on tax cuts for the middle class, infrastructure investments and job creation. This funding is a prime example of the kind of resources the legislation provides to help improve communities while advancing South Dakota’s economy.

Source: Senator Tim Johnson