Local towns share in energy grants

NASHVILLE - Walden, Lakesite and a handful of Southeast Tennessee communities will be receiving funds from $3.8 million in energy efficiency and conservation block grants awarded Thursday.

Gov. Phil Bredesen and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber announced the grants in a news release. Funding comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will pay for 42 projects, the release stated.

This is the second round of grants announced under the program. The first round awarded $9.2 million to 100 projects around the state.

The grants will fund projects that improve efficiency and reduce energy expenses in building and transportation projects, according to the governor. The projects are expected to produce more than 27 million kilowatt-hours of energy savings annually, resulting in a cost savings of about $2.5 million per year for Tennessee communities.

The grants also will allow installers and retrofitters to gain valuable training and experience that will serve private-sector companies as they expand their energy efficiency programs.

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