Washington - Today, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) announced that Jersey City will receive $2,329,500 for energy efficiency projects awarded from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Program which he created as part of energy legislation in 2007. This program, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is delivering over $75.5 million to New Jersey municipalities for energy saving initiatives.
"Creating jobs and saving energy is a win-win, and this federal funding will do just that for Jersey City and all of the New Jersey municipalities that are receiving it," said Sen. Menendez. "Jersey City will benefit with additional jobs, lower energy consumption and budget savings that can be passed on to taxpayers."
"Jersey City is the second most sustainable city in the United States, and we have been on the forefront of creating green standards and green municipal practices, so it is therefore fitting that Jersey City should be the recipient of more than $2 million in federal energy efficiency grants," said Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy. "Additionally, Jersey City is the economic engine driving the state's economy and these funds will be used to create jobs and stimulate additional development. We are grateful to Senator Menendez for his efforts in securing this funding for Jersey City."
The City of Jersey City has slated the $2,329,500 for the following energy efficiency projects:
1. Project 1: City-wide Energy Audit: Total Requested EECBG funding $347,000
Jersey City will use this EECBG funding to order an audit to assess the energy consumption of public buildings including City Hall and other key city-owned facilities.
2. Project 2: GREEN Revolving Loan Fund: Total Requested EECBG funding $465,000
Jersey City will create a Green Revolving Loan program to assist small businesses throughout the City with the costs associated with weatherization and retrofitting.
3. Project 3: Police Communication Center: Total Requested EECBG funding $ 790,148
The City will be using the funds obtained by the grant to furnish the Communications Center with MEP equipment, pavement, a green roof, sunshades, and other "greening" components of the building.
4. Project 4: Solar Compactors along the Waterfront: Total Requested EECBG funding $436,138
The City will place solar compactors along the waterfront in order to reduce pollution by cutting down the frequency of trash collection trips.
5. Project 5: Energy Efficient Lights along MLK: Total Requested EECBG funding $291,214
The City will place 45 LED street lamps along Martin Luther King Boulevard in an area that is distressed and under redevelopment.
To date, the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded more than 1,700 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, totaling over $1.9 billion.
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