Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) announced Clackamas County will receive $3,159,500 from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by Congress last month. The city of Lake Oswego is also slated to receive $157,900. The funds will be available to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and for improvements in energy efficiency. Statewide, Oregon communities will be receiving grants totaling $33,501,500 including $9,593,500 dedicated to the Oregon State Energy Office.
Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) announced Clackamas County will receive $3,159,500 from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by Congress last month. The city of Lake Oswego is also slated to receive $157,900. The funds will be available to reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and for improvements in energy efficiency. Statewide, Oregon communities will be receiving grants totaling $33,501,500 including $9,593,500 dedicated to the Oregon State Energy Office.
“Investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy create jobs for Oregonians,” said Schrader. “Today’s announcement represents another success in bringing money from the federal government home to our local communities to make necessary improvements to homes, businesses, transportation projects and other areas that will create much needed jobs and reduce energy costs.”
The EECBG Program is administered by the Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Funds can be used for energy efficiency audits and improvements in residential and commercial properties, assistance to non-profits, transportation energy conservation programs, public education programs and other projects related to improving energy efficiency.
County and local leaders were quick to praise the funding. “We’re very excited to develop county-wide strategies to improve our energy efficiency,” said Clackamas County Commission Chair Lynn Peterson. “This funding will allow us to reduce energy costs and make a commitment to renewable energy. Congressman Schrader and our federal representatives deserve a lot of credit for their foresight and understanding that these grants will reduce costs, make local communities more environmentally friendly and provide jobs for our community.”
The EECBG program was authorized in 2007. The Program provides federal grants to units of local government, Indian tribes, states, and territories. More information on the program can be found at http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/.
