CITY SEEKING PUBLIC INPUT ON USES FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANTS

INDIANAPOLIS - Energy audits and retrofits of buildings, renewable energy projects and green roofs, are examples of sustainability projects that could launch soon as a result of federal stimulus dollars heading to Indianapolis, and the City's Office of Sustainability is seeking public input to determine more specifically how the funding should be prioritized.

"We plan to leverage this funding to take immediate action on a number of citywide sustainability initiatives," said Mayor Greg Ballard. "We also want to be sure we're focusing these resources in ways that will have the most significant, positive impact for citizens."

Indianapolis is eligible to receive $8,032,300 over the next two years as part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program from the U.S. Department of Energy. The formula grants are part of a $3.2 billion investment in energy efficiency and conservation projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Other activities eligible for use of grant funds include transportation programs 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, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements.

The City's application for EECBG funds is due June 25th, 2009. In preparation for this deadline, the City is proposing the following projects, which comply with the funding guidelines provided in the funding announcement:

* Bike Lanes-funding of future segments of SustainIndy's BikeWays Plan http://www.sustainindy.org/bikeways-plans-and-maps.cfm)
* Building Retrofits-energy retrofits of city-owned and operated facilities, including the City County Building.
* Renewable Energy Generation- potential projects include installation of solar and wind powered street lights, wind turbines and solar panels at city facilities.
* Green Building Fund-establishment of a no interest loan program for qualified green projects in the private sector, including non-profits.
* LED Traffic Signals-conversion of the City's remaining conventional traffic signals to energy efficient LED technology.
* Green Roofs-installation of green roofs at City facilities

The Office of Sustainability is accepting public comments on the proposed projects until May 28th, 2009. Please submit comments via web form located at www.sustainindy.org or via U.S. Mail to the following address: Office of Sustainability, 200 E. Washington St. Suite 2460, Indianapolis, IN 46204.