Press Release

September 2, 2009
CARDIN, MIKULKSI ANNOUNCE $272,500 IN ENERGY CONSERVATION GRANTS FOR LAUREL, HAGERSTOWN


WASHINGTON, D.C. –
U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.), today announced $272,500 in grants have been awarded to Maryland through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG). 



 


The city of Hagerstown has been awarded $179,500 and the city of Laurel has been awarded $93,000 in this round of grants.  Funding for the EECBG program was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was signed into law earlier this year.



 


“Today, we are facing an economic crisis, an energy security crisis, and a global climate crisis,” said Senator Cardin. “The good news is that this funding through the EECBG program represents a long-term investment that will help our nation create a sustainable, clean energy economy, lessen our dependence on foreign oil and save Maryland families an average of $350 annually in reduced energy costs.”



 


“This announcement is exactly what the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act is all about – creating and sustaining jobs today and preparing for the jobs of tomorrow,” Senator Mikulski said. “Conserving energy and becoming less reliant on imported oil is critical to America’s national security and economy. Energy investments like this one will create new good-paying jobs in cities and towns across America. The investments we make now will pay dividends in the years to come by helping Marylanders reduce their monthly energy bills and accelerate our nation's transition to a more sustainable and secure energy future.”



 


The city of Laurel and the city of Hagerstown will use the funding to improve energy conservation through energy audits and building retrofits, development of advanced building codes, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements.



 


The EECBG Program was funded for the first time by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Funding for the EECBG Program under the Recovery Act totals $3.2 billion, of which approximately $2.7 billion will be awarded through formula grants to more than 2,300 cities, counties, states, and Indian tribes nationwide.  In addition, more than $400 million will be delivered through competitive grants, which will be awarded through a separate, future Funding Opportunity Announcement.



 

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