Local Government Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants
Overview
This program offers local communities an opportunity to:
- reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions to protect the natural environment
- improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building and other sectors
- assist area residents and businesses to reduce the cost of energy consumption
Recipients of the funds must prepare an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy within the first year of receiving grant funds.
The ten largest cities in each state, cities over 35,000, and counties over 200,000 will receive direct allocations. Applications from these jurisdictions will be made directly to the Department of Energy.
Smaller cities (and counties?) will apply through either the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Energy Center or the Kansas Corporation Commission.
Funding
$3.2 billion in total. These grants will be distributed through the Department of Energy and states.
ARRA Allocations for Regional Communities
Allocations are based on cities over 35,000 and counties over 200,000 or one of the ten largest in the state and based on daytime and evening populations.
Kansas Total Sum City, County, and SEO Allocations All $21,062,200
Kansas State Energy Office $9,593,500
Johnson County $552,500
Kansas City $1,398,800
Leavenworth County $304,800
Lenexa $227,100
Olathe City $1,105,400
Overland Park $1,706,300
Shawnee $533,100Missouri Total Sum City, County, and SEO Allocations All $43,779,300
Missouri State Energy Office $12,568,100
Blue Springs $490,600
Independence $1,014,100
Kansas City $4,823,200
Lee's Summit $762,700
Cass County $378,500
Clay County $447,800
Jackson County $483,100
Special factors
Requires an energy strategy to receive funds after the first year.
Status
Awaiting final allocations and regulations.
How to access funding
Block grant recipients will be given an allocation of funds, but must submit an application to the Department of Energy. There also will be competitive grants through DOE ($400 million) and there may be funds available through the state. Final regulations will determine exact allocations and application process.
MARC's role
MARC is assisting local governments in determining access to funds. MARC is also working with local governments to develop a regional strategy and identify areas of common interest where local governments can pool resources or share information.
Policy recommendations
Develop a shared regional approach to energy efficiency and conservation that meets local needs, addresses regional issues, and maximizes the impact of the block grant funds.
