DEP ANNOUNCES ‘CONSERVATION WORKS’ GRANT WEBINAR

Recovery Act Funding Available for Energy Efficiency Projects
HARRISBURG -- Local governments and nonprofit groups seeking to develop energy efficiency projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are urged to participate in a free online webinar for the new PA Conservation Works! program from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, July 27.

Individual projects that increase energy efficiency, reduce consumption and reduce energy costs by at least 25 percent can receive $250,000 in federal funding. Joint projects can receive up to $500,000. “Opportunities exist for local governments and nonprofits to develop projects to reduce energy consumption, create jobs and save a substantial amount of money that can then be used for other important purposes,” said Department of Environmental Secretary John Hanger. “This webinar will give interested parties a chance to learn more about the PA Conservation Works! program, project eligibility, and how to apply for funding.”

PA Conservation Works! is a competitive grant program open to Pennsylvania boroughs, townships and cities with fewer than 35,000 residents and counties with fewer than 200,000 residents. Sixty percent of the program’s $22.2 million is reserved for local governments not eligible for direct formula grants from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. Renewable energy projects also will be eligible if they replace at least 25 percent of a building’s, or entity’s, energy use. All projects must create jobs, be able to start work within six months and be completed before Sept. 30, 2011.

“Financial assistance produces greater benefits if those applying fully understand the opportunities that are open to them,” said Secretary Hanger. “This webinar can assist in developing a complete and more competitive application that could result in the greatest amount of funding possible.” To register for the webinar, visit www.icleiusa.org/news-events/event-folder/pennsylvania-conservation-works-webinar. Program guidelines and additional information are available at www.recovery.pa.gov. Applications must be submitted through the state’s Environmental eGrants system at www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us. The application deadline is Aug. 14. The webinar is being co-sponsored by Department of Environmental Protection, in partnership with ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability.