Six Michigan Communities Get Advanced Lighting Grants
LANSING -- Six Michigan cities, townships and counties have received $399,261 for advanced lighting technology demonstration grants, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced.
The Advanced Lighting Technology Demonstration Grants were awarded from the Michigan Energy Office through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for projects that create and retain jobs, save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The grants are in addition to 14 that were awarded by the Energy Office in July.
These lighting projects demonstrate how advanced lighting technologies help communities to be more energy-efficient while cutting energy costs. Many communities receiving these grants are utilizing Michigan manufacturers for their labor and equipment, assisting in supporting economic development in areas throughout Michigan.
The lighting technologies include light emitting diodes (LEDs), induction lighting, and plasma lighting. The projects replace or retrofit existing lighting fixtures.
The six Advanced Lighting Technology Demonstration grant winners are:
* Leelanau County - $90,000
* City of Livonia - $82,125
* Green Oak Charter Township - $75,349
* City of Trenton - $75,410
* City of Owosso - $40,500
* Muskegon County - $35,877
Grants are administered through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, which began in 2009 and ends in 2012. The Recovery Act included more than $2.4 billion for the EECBG Local Government Program, making funding available nationally to reduce energy use and improve energy efficiency in various sectors (buildings, transportation, etc.). In Michigan, $58.3 million was distributed to local governments and federally-recognized tribes directly through this program.
For additional information on the Michigan EECBG Program, contact Jan Patrick, Manager, EECBG Program Manager, Michigan Energy Office at patrickj@michigan.gov.
The Michigan Energy Office is part of the Michigan Strategic Fund, which receives administrative services from the MEDC. The Michigan Economic Development Corp., a public-private partnership serving as the state's marketing arm and lead agency for business, talent and jobs, focuses on helping grow Michigan's economy. For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit www.MichiganAdvantage.org.
