Merkley, Wyden Announce over $430,000 in Recovery Act Funding For Energy Efficiency Projects in Albany and Tigard, Oregon

Friday, September 4, 2009

Washington, D.C. – The Department of Energy has awarded over $430,000 in Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) to the cities of Albany and Tigard for energy efficiency projects.  The projects will fund energy efficiency retrofits and the replacement of outdated equipment with energy efficient upgrades for buildings and facilities. 

“We continue to see the Recovery Act at work in Oregon creating jobs by promoting conservation and energy efficiency efforts,” said Merkley.  “By replacing crumbling infrastructure with energy efficient retrofits, we can reduce harmful pollutants in the air we breathe and create jobs that are desperately needed during this economic recession.”

“This helps Main Street businesses and workers in Tigard and Albany who have suffered in the recession by improving the energy efficiency of their homes and buildings while bringing jobs into the communities,” Wyden said

Under the Department of Energy’s EECBG Program, funds are allocated to communities to help jumpstart projects that improve energy efficiency, reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions and create clean energy jobs in the process.  The Energy Efficiency Block Grants will be used to fund the following projects:

Albany - $201,500
The funds will be used to replace outdated equipment at City Hall and the Senior Center with energy efficient upgrades.

Tigard - $230,500
The funds will be used to replace a deteriorating roof on the Permit Center with an Energy Star compliant roof.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act invests billions in upgrading our nation’s transportation infrastructure, promoting the development and production of clean energy, and repairing public buildings to immediately create or save jobs.  The legislation cuts taxes for 95 percent of workers and their families, including tax credits of $400 per worker or $800 per family.  Finally, a third component of the bill provides vital funding for states to prevent state layoffs and ensure the continuation of important health, education and housing services.