Indianapolis to Receive $8 Million for Energy Saving Projects

March 26, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS – New jobs, lower energy bills and a cleaner environment will likely result from an $8 million infusion heading to the City of Indianapolis, Congressman André Carson announced today.

The funding is part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program and is supported through the landmark American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The block grants invest in targeted projects that reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions, improve energy efficiency nationwide and create new jobs.

"This funding represents a major investment in our local economy," said Congressman Carson. "When you look at the multiplier effect—the money saved from reducing energy consumption, lowering heating and cooling bills, improving our environment and creating new jobs to drive all this work—this $8 million boost will leverage tens of millions more in investment."

The funding will support energy audits and energy efficiency retrofits in residential and commercial buildings, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements. Other programs eligible for grant dollars include transportation initiatives that conserve energy, projects to reduce and capture methane and other greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, renewable energy installations on government buildings, energy efficient traffic signals and street lights, deployment of Combined Heat and Power and district heating and cooling systems.

Today's announcement is in addition to the more than $200 million headed to Indiana to support weatherization and other energy projects, also funded through the Recovery Act.

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