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Federal funding to “jump-start” Manatee sustainability projects

Posted on March 30, 2009 – Tampa Bay Business Journal

Installing reflective roof coverings, upgrading water and wastewater pipes, and retrofitting chillers and generators are possible projects on a list created by Manatee County’s “Green Team” in anticipation of federal stimulus funding.

Energy efficiency in county government also will be an initiative in Manatee, which expects $2.4 million through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, a release said.

The funds will allow the county to “jump-start” investments in sustainability initiatives, said Brenda Rogers, director of Manatee’s Agriculture and Resource Conservation Department and head of the Green Team, in the release.

Part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program provides funds to local governments, states, territories and Indian tribes to assist in the reduction of fossil fuel emissions and total energy use and to improve energy efficiency in sectors such as transportation and building.

Of $3.2 billion Congress appropriated for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, Florida is slated to receive $168.6 million, including more than $35.4 million allocated for counties and cities in the Tampa Bay area.

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