Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) announced today that Dublin, Lodi and Manteca will receive clean energy project grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly referred to as the stimulus package.  These funds are being allocated by the Department of Energy to help communities improve their energy efficiency and create jobs locally.

“I’m thrilled that our area will receive funds for clean energy projects,” said Rep. McNerney.  “The money from these grants is an investment in our local economy. These cities will now be able to take steps to reduce costs and save energy.”

The specific awards for each city are as follows:

Dublin:

The City of Dublin will receive $186,700 to fund energy efficiency improvements at City parks.   Specifically, Dublin intends to use these funds to conduct an LED light retrofit project that will help reduce municipal energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by replacing older public lighting within the City's parks with newer and more efficient lighting technology.

“By choosing to conduct an energy efficiency project within City parks, the project will be visible to the community and provide environmental and safety benefits to all Dublin residents,” said Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti. “It is anticipated that the project’s visibility will increase interest in more energy efficient practices elsewhere within the City.”

Lodi:

The City of Lodi will receive $586,200 for 10 projects that will reduce electricity use in the city by more than 2 million kilowatt hours annually, and reduce fuel consumption.  Examples of these projects include installation of high-efficiency lights, rebates for energy efficiency home improvements, and educational outreach programs.

“These grants will fund 10 worthwhile programs that directly benefit residents and the community by lowering energy costs,” Lodi Mayor Larry Hansen said. “This saves money for both the consumers and the City, and it reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”

Manteca:

Manteca will receive $586,200 to retrofit 3,600 existing street lights with high-efficiency induction street lights.  These funds will also help retain jobs as existing City staff will perform all of the retrofit work.  Once the project is completed, the City estimates that it will reduce its electricity usage by 20,256 MWh (megawatt hours) per year, and its carbon dioxide emissions by 9,773 metric tons per year.  Also, the City will save approximately $150,000 per year in energy costs.

“The EECBG funds provide an immediate and lasting benefit because the street light retrofit project will permanently reduce the City's expenditures on electricity, which will have a positive impact on the City’s bottom line,” said Phil Govea, Deputy Director of Public Works, City of Manteca.