Under the terms of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the city of Santa Maria will receive a grant of more than $800,000 to fund energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, according to a statement from Congresswoman Lois Capps.
She listed several possible outcomes of “smart investments” in the release, including greater energy efficiency and reduced energy usage through building and home energy conservation programs, energy audits, fuel conservation programs, building retrofits, and ‘Smart Growth’ planning and zoning.
Councilwoman Alice Patino said the city has until the end of April to find out what projects from the council’s “wish list” are eligible for grant funding.
“They’re not just going to give us a blank check,” Patino said. “We have to review the guidelines and apply for that money.”
The city of Lompoc will receive up to $165,000 in grant money for the same purpose.
Santa Barbara County won’t be getting any energy funding under the program due to the formula the Department of Energy uses in figuring grant disbursal. County spokesman William Boyer said the county is “more than a little disappointed,” but hopes to cooperate with and help local cities use the funds.
The economic stimulus bill also calls for investment programs for energy efficiency improvements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, renewable energy installations on government buildings, and energy efficient traffic signals and streetlights.
Through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Program, the U.S. Department of Energy is disbursing nearly $1.9 billion to cities and communities nationwide. The amount of the grant a community receives is based on energy use and population size—cities must have more than 35,000 residents to qualify. Under the program, the agency will require grant recipients to report on the number of jobs created, energy saved, and on any reductions in greenhouse gas emissions as a direct result of the funds.
Boyer said the county still hopes to receive some of the $30 million the state obtained in discretionary funding as a result of the economic stimulus package.
This article appears in Apr 2-9, 2009.