Congressman Paul Tonko announced today that the Department of Energy has awarded the Town of Colonie an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) worth $661,900. Under the federal EECBG Program, which is being funded for the first time by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, grants are awarded to help communities reduce their energy use and fossil fuel emissions and create green jobs.
This grant, which will be combined with $338,125 in town funds, will be used to replace the rooftop heating and cooling units at the Town Library and to replace the boiler at the Town of Colonie Community Center at 1653 Central Ave. The buildings are two of the most heavily used in the town and officials project that once the work is completed, the town and taxpayers will save thousands on future energy bills.
“These are not glamorous, cutting edge projects that we are funding here, but they are projects that have real benefit to the people in terms of improving energy efficiency and saving dollars down the road,” said Congressman Tonko. “We need to look at energy efficiency as our fuel of choice; it’s one way we can make an immediate impact by saving energy and reducing our gluttonous dependence on fossil fuels. If you combine this project with hundreds of others that are being funded by the Recovery Act, taken as a whole they have the potential to make a real impact on energy conservation and improving our environment. These are the little things that will pay off in a big way as we work toward improving our energy outcome. We will continue to work in concert with officials here in Colonie and across the 21st Congressional District to make similar energy saving projects a reality.”
Colonie Town Supervisor Paula Mahan said: “This is a great day for Colonie. This grant means we can get started on our new energy savings plan right away. It translates into an immediate $1 million infusion into Colonie’s energy infrastructure when combined with Town funds. I can’t thank Congressman Paul Tonko enough for his support in helping us receive this funding. He’s not only helping Colonie become a greener place to live, he’s helping us save money and create business opportunity at the same time. Perhaps even more important, he’s leading the charge for ‘green’ innovation and education, surely one of our best strategies for growing the U.S. back to the economic health.
The Recovery Act allocated $3.2 billion for the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. About $2.7 billion is being awarded through formula grants to more than 2,300 cities, counties, states and Indian tribes nationwide. Another $400 million is being delivered through competitive grants.
Eligible projects for EECBG funding include energy audits and building retrofits in the residential and commercial sector, development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements.
For more information on the EECBG program, visit the Department of Energy’s website:
