Washington, D.C.--The Town of Clarkstown is receiving a grant of $751,300 from the U.S. Department of Energy under its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, Congressman Eliot Engel announced today. The funds are awarded to help communities improve their energy efficiency, reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and create green jobs locally.

Rep. Engel said, “This funding will not only help our localities recover from their economic hardships, but also help wean our country off foreign oil. Revising our energy policy and creating new ‘green’ jobs domestically is not only be economically beneficial, but will also boost our national security.”

“Congressman Engel’s efforts have provided the Town of Clarkstown the opportunity to purchase energy efficient lighting for the New City Revitalization project,” said Clarkstown Supervisor Alex Gromack. “The Town has a long standing commitment to environmental conservation and we thank Congressman Engel for facilitating this essential grant money.”

“The grant will allow us to replace mercury vapor street lamps with more energy efficient lighting that would provide better illumination for not only vehicle traffic but pedestrian traffic as well. It will also allow us to replace an old existing traffic signal with an LED signal that is far more energy efficient.”

The EECBG Program was initially funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which allocated approximately $2.7 billion to 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, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said 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.

He said the Department of Energy will provide strong oversight at all levels while emphasizing the need to quickly award funds to help create new jobs and stimulate local economies.
Rep. Engel added, “This investment in energy solutions strengthens our economy by creating jobs at the local level. This investment in our nation helps the process of recovery by immediately creating jobs and lays the groundwork for an America that is energy independent.”