Burlington Free Press

The three members of Vermont's congressional delegation say the state's clean energy efforts have been given a $140 million boost from federal recovery money.

Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders and U.S. Rep. Peter Welch say the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is creating jobs, upgrading the energy infrastructure and laying the groundwork for future economic development.

A report by the U.S. Department of Energy says the efforts have included local energy efficiency grants, statewide implementation of smart grid technologies and investments in energy-related businesses.

Some of the specifics include $68.9 million to add smart grid technology to the electric grid and $16.8 million to help weatherize 1,600 homes of low-income Vermonters.