DELAND -- The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Volusia County a $2.4 million grant to improve efficiency and reduce fossil fuel emissions. The grant allocation, announced Friday, was provided by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, which is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“We were thrilled to learn about the county’s award today,” said Dona DeMarsh, Volusia County government relations manager. “Our next step is to make a list of the possible projects that can be supported by the grant and submit recommendations to the Volusia County Council for its consideration.”
According to the Department of Energy, grant funds may be used to support energy audits and energy efficiency retrofits in residential and commercial buildings, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspection, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements. The funds also could go toward transportation programs that conserve energy, projects to reduce and capture methane emissions from landfills, renewable energy installations on government buildings, energy-efficient traffic signals and street lights, combined heat and power systems, district heating and cooling systems, and other projects.
This news comes at a time when Volusia County Government is stepping up its green initiatives. Recent projects have included buying hybrid-electric vehicles, installing high-efficiency devices that reduce the use of electricity, upgrading traffic signals to energy-efficient LED technology, and using water-wise plants in landscaping.
"Volusia County's goal is to reduce our impact on the environment on several fronts, including new construction, transportation and recycling," Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno said. "With the $2.4 million grant, we can move even more swiftly toward that goal. We could not be more pleased to receive the funding. We are grateful to our elected officials who represent Volusia County in Washington, D.C., and are facilitating this kind of good news.”
For details about the program and funding, please visit www.energy.gov/recovery.