Gov. Beshear Presents Energy Efficiency, Homeland Security Grants for Daviess County
OWENSBORO, KY – May 18, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Steve Beshear today presented funding for energy efficiency updates and state homeland security grants in Daviess County.
A $58,800 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) is funding energy efficient updates to the Daviess County Courthouse, and a $75,600 EECBG is supporting retrofits at the Green River Area Development District (GRADD) building in Owensboro.
The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (KOHS) has awarded $66,200 in State Homeland Security Grants to the Daviess County Fiscal Court for the purchase of radios and mobile data computers.
“By implementing today’s energy grants, we will not only save taxpayers money on utility costs, we will also create jobs and income for Kentucky families,” said Gov. Beshear. “The Homeland Security grants will provide needed funds that enable our first responders to have the latest and best tools needed in their critical missions in keeping our Commonwealth safe and secure. Interoperable communications are vitally important because they help ensure an immediate response to natural and man-made disasters.”
Funded through the Daviess County Fiscal Court, improvements to the county courthouse include the installation of an insulating drop ceiling, advanced programmable thermostats and energy efficient lighting to replace fluorescent light fixtures. At this time, much of the work has already been completed.
Based on the energy audit the GRADD building has received, retrofits there will include adding energy efficient lighting and centralized thermostats. To prevent air leakage, the building envelope will be sealed.
“These important efficiency measures in Daviess County will reduce energy consumption and ensure a safer, more comfortable environment with improved air quality at the courthouse and GRADD building,” said DLG Commissioner Tony Wilder. “By decreasing Daviess County’s energy needs, we will address a key component of Gov. Beshear’s energy strategy.”
First passed by Congress in 2007, the EECBG program was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), with funds coming from the U.S. Department of Energy through the Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence and administered by DLG.
The Kentucky EECBG program provides $6.25 million to assist local governments in implementing strategies to reduce fossil fuel emissions; reduce total energy use; and improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building and other appropriate sectors. Additional purposes of the EECBG program include spurring economic growth and the creation and/or retention of jobs under ARRA.
To read Governor Beshear’s Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future: Kentucky’s 7-Point Energy Strategy, go to:
http://www.governor.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/2880287D-511E-4421-ACC3-D4B9A7F97132/0/EnergyStrategy.pdf
The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (KOHS) grants include $43,900 for radios and $22,300 for mobile data computers to Daviess County Fiscal Court.
“We’re pleased to partner with the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office and the Daviess County Fire Department to improve and upgrade their communications equipment,” said Gene Kiser, acting executive director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. “This equipment enhances their ability to protect the citizens they serve.”
The $43,900 grant was used for a base station and radios for the Daviess County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office. The $22,300 grant provided two mobile-data computers for the fire department. The base station and radios will improve interoperability for first responders within the county and surrounding areas. The computers will enable fire personnel to communicate with one another and with dispatch while allowing them to access critical information that may be needed when responding to an emergency.
“This is great news for our community, and these grants will go a long way in helping local officials keep the courthouse and the Green River ADD building more energy efficient while also providing up-to-date equipment for our law enforcement,” said Rep. Tommy Thompson of Owensboro. “These are all certainly worthy projects.”
“These grants will really help enrich and grow our community,” said Rep. Jim Glenn of Owensboro. “They’ll enable us to do a lot of good things that will enhance public safety and lower our energy costs.”
Contact:
Kerri Richardson
Jill Midkiff
502-564-2611
