Albany - Governor David A. Paterson announced that $40 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding has been awarded to New York municipalities, public schools, universities and colleges, hospitals and not-for-profit agencies to support 118 energy conservation projects. The energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean fleet projects will reduce energy and operating costs by $13.5 million annually and fully return the initial investment in just under 7 years.
"At a time when many are working with less, we must make wise investments that both create savings and plan for our future. These funds will provide public and non-profit entities with critical resources needed to make long-term investments that will reduce their energy costs and save taxpayers money," Governor Paterson said. "These projects will invigorate the State’s economy, heighten the demand for clean renewable technologies, and help put New Yorkers to work in the clean energy economy. I applaud President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for their work to secure these critical funds that promote economic recovery, energy independence and strong environmental stewardship."
The projects, which were competitively selected through the State Energy Program, represent the program’s second round of funding that will total $74 million. Additional awards are expected to be made before the end of the year. Measures funded include installation of lighting and lighting controls, heating, cooling and controls, building envelope, photovoltaic systems, high efficiency biomass boilers, solar thermal, small wind generators and alternative-fuel refueling stations and vehicles.
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Francis J. Murray said: "The federal stimulus program is providing critical funding to help local governments, hospitals, colleges and universities, and non-profit agencies reduce their energy costs while helping New York reduce its overall energy consumption and our impact on the environment. The energy conservation measures this funding supports will help create jobs and make meaningful progress towards meeting Governor David Paterson’s ambitious energy reduction goals. NYSERDA looks forward to working with the award recipients to help them achieve the greatest savings possible."
NYSERDA received more than 300 proposals and evaluated on a competitive basis. Primary selection criteria included technical viability, cost-effectiveness, demonstration of compliance with program requirements, and cost sharing. Each awardee must still successfully enter into contract and meet all ARRA requirements prior to funding being released.
Through these awards, New York continues to invest in a clean energy economy and achieve Governor Paterson’s goal of meeting 45 percent of the State’s energy needs through energy efficiency and renewable energy by 2015. Governor Paterson’s ‘45 by 15’ program is one of the nation’s most aggressive energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. It is conservatively estimated that this program will create 50,000 new jobs throughout the State.
The next round of funding for the remaining $8.8 million has been announced with proposals due to NYSERDA on April 7, 2010.
