Lynchburg City has been awarded a $740,000 federal grant to boost its energy efficiency, Sen. Jim Webb’s office announced Monday.
The money, supplied by the stimulus bill and distributed by the U.S. Department of Energy, is projected to help the city reduce its energy use by as much as 10 percent over time. Specific projects include renovating the heating and air system at the Lynchburg Public Library and converting to energy-efficient traffic signals and street lights.
The city also plans to hire an “energy mechanic” who will be charged with implementing energy-saving strategies in all of the local government’s major buildings.
The city’s grant is part of a competitive pool of $454 million made available to government agencies nationwide this year through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. The program is designed to support communities with tangible plans to make long-term reductions in their energy use.
In a news release, Deputy City Manager Bonnie Svrcek, who oversees the local “Sustainable City” initiative, said, “Utilizing these funds to improve energy efficiency will contribute greatly to long-term sustainable energy savings for our city. Without these funds, the city would not be able to implement these initiatives.”
Sen. Webb, D-Va., said the grant will reduce future energy costs for taxpayers and praised the city for its initiative and long-term planning.
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