Monmouth in line for $4.2M in energy efficiency funding

Monmouth County is eligible to receive up to $4.2 million in federal grants for projects that promote energy conservation and efficiency.

The $4,225,800 allocation is part of $75.5 million in energy funding for New Jersey under the Energy Efficiency Block Grants program created by the federal stimulus program. The county has not yet decided how it will spend the money, according to a press release.

Additionally, some larger municipalities in Monmouth County are eligible for direct grants, including Manalapan ($155,300), Marlboro ($162,300), Middletown ($610,800) and Howell ($463,500). Other towns with populations under 35,000 must apply through the state Office of Clean Energy. The state energy office was allocated $14.4 million.

"The fact that we have a Greenhouse Gas Reduction strategy and committee in place that encompasses an energy efficiency mandate puts Monmouth County in a good position to prepare a strategy for the utilization of these funds," Freeholder John D'Amico said. "This is welcome news for towns looking for ways to promote energy conservation and green initiatives."

The New Jersey money is part of the $3.2 billion that President Barack Obama's administration has invested in the block grant program nationwide, through the president's stimulus package.

"During President Obama's campaign, he promised this investment in energy conservation projects to help create jobs and spark economic recovery," Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow said. "With federal assistance, Monmouth County is ready to put people to work in jobs that will ease our dependence on foreign oil and achieve reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions."

In December, the Board of Freeholders established the Monmouth County Greenhouse Gas Reduction Committee to address local environmental issues. The committee's goal is to identify and reduce the amount of GHG emissions the county is producing, and to recommend steps for municipalities to consider when planning for reduced emissions and increased energy efficiency.

New Jersey has mandated a statewide reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, which amounts to a 20 percent reduction, followed by a further reduction of emissions to 80 percent below 2006 levels by 2050. The county is currently conducting an energy audit, according to the press release.

The $3.2 billion nationwide will help pay for energy audits and energy retrofits in residential and commercial buildings, development of advanced building codes, and transportation programs that conserve energy. It also can be used for projects that reduce and capture methane gas emissions from landfills, and installation of energy efficient traffic signals, streetlights and heating/cooling systems.