MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded more than $600,000 in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants to assist local governments in lowering utility costs and modernizing facilities.
Among the recipients were two Calhoun County communities. The City of Jacksonville was awarded $11,641 to install energy-efficient lighting retrofits and programmable thermostats at the city’s Senior Adult Center. The Piedmont Health Care Authority received $190,904 for energy-efficient lighting and HVAC retrofits at the Piedmont Health Care Center.
Gov. Ivey noted the value of updating aging infrastructure. “These grants will help replace outdated heating, cooling and lighting systems with more modern equipment,” she said. “I commend those local governments that took this step to improve services for their residents, clients and customers.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grants through funds provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said the improvements will have long-term benefits. “It just makes sense to invest in a program that will help save on utility costs in the long run by using more efficient equipment,” Boswell stated.
Other recipients included Dallas County Water and Sewer Authority, Jasper, Montgomery County, and the Pike County Board of Education.
ADECA oversees a range of programs supporting law enforcement, economic development, energy conservation, and community resources.
