Grants to help area facilities upgrade to lower energy costs

MONTGOMERY — Several Tennessee Valley facilities will be able to save money by cutting energy usage, thanks to funding from the State Energy Program.

Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants to help qualified organizations and groups lower energy costs by making energy-efficient improvements in buildings and operations. The grants will help replace outdated heating, cooling and lighting with more modern and efficient equipment that is less expensive to use.

“It just makes good sense to conserve funds by converting to more energy efficient heating, cooling and lighting equipment,” Ivey said. “I applaud these schools, local governments and other organizations who are investing in modern equipment and techniques to ensure that they are spending wisely.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Energy.

“Those who invest in these energy upgrades are making wise and prudent decisions that will pay dividends well into the future,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in assisting these groups and organizations with reducing their costs.”

Those awarded grants are:

• Hawk Pride Mountain Water System (Colbert County)- $246,000 to install energy-efficient motor drive additions at two water wells.
• The Health Care Authority of the City of Huntsville – $54,500 to install building automation systems at the Plaza Resource Center.
• Niche Polymer (Killen) – $143,600 to install energy efficient LED lighting, a heating and air system and solar pole lighting upgrades.
• Swearengin Water Systems (Grant) – $79,000 to provide energy-efficient upgrades at a water system booster station.