Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel announced a $1,823,200 energy and conservation grant was awarded to Yonkers, by the U.S. Department of Energy, as part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program.

Rep. Engel said, “These funds are awarded to help communities improve their energy efficiency, reduce their energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and create green jobs locally. This is part of an overall government strategy of weaning America off foreign oil, invigorating our economy, and reducing the effects of global warming.”

The EECBG Program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act with an initial amount of $3.2 billion, of which approximately $2.7 billion will be awarded through formula grants to more than 2,300 cities, counties, states, and Indian tribes nationwide. In addition, more than $400 million will be delivered through competitive grants.

Rep. Engel said that activities eligible for EECBG funding include energy audits and building retrofits in the residential and commercial sector, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements.

Transparency and accountability are important priorities for the EECBG Program and all Recovery Act projects, he said. Throughout the program’s implementation, DOE will provide oversight at all levels, while stressing the need to quickly award funds to help create new jobs and stimulate local economies.