Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Henderson, NV – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District announced today that the city of Henderson is receiving $2.2 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support energy efficiency and conservation activities.  Henderson is one of 72 cities, counties, and tribes across the country that is receiving a share of $55.8 million from the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.

“The latest investments in energy efficiency through the recovery package will help Southern Nevada create jobs while bringing down energy costs and helping reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” Congresswoman Titus said.  “These grants, along with other important energy efficiency initiatives in the recovery plan, can help the region take advantage of our renewable energy resources and stimulate economic growth that will put Nevadans back to work.”

“This Energy Block Grant recognizes the important role of cities in reducing our energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.  I am pleased that the ARRA includes funding for this important program,” said Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen.  “Henderson is blessed with abundant alternative energy resources and this federal funding will help us to tap them.  This first allocation of EECBG funding will save Henderson taxpayers approximately $100,000 a year, will reduce the City's greenhouse gas emissions by 1,967 metric tons, and helps build a foundation for future energy efficiency improvements.”

Henderson will receive $2,237,000 that will go toward a number of projects that include installing a 30 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system at the North Community Police Station, which is pursuing a LEED gold rating.  The city will also install improved equipment and lighting controls throughout the Emergency Services Facility and replace aged and inefficient rooftop HVAC units with new high efficiency units.  The city will also install hydroelectric generating turbines in its drinking water lines in an effort to meet the Department of Utility Services’ sustainability goals.  Finally, funding will also go to HomeFree Nevada, a multijurisdictional program that provides home energy audits. 

The City of Henderson estimates that investments in these projects will create 33 jobs, reduce the city’s energy costs by approximately $100,000 a year, and reduce greenhouse emissions by nearly 2,000 metric tons.

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Tags: energy, Henderson, Recovery and Reinvestment Act