AmerenUE awards grant

AmerenUE has awarded a $10,000 Ameren SmartLights grant to the Cape Girardeau Public Schools Foundation to help provide energy-efficient lighting for Central High School's new soccer fields.

The foundation's lighting project will greatly expand use of these facilities by enabling games, training and tournament play to take place during the late afternoon and evening hours.

Total cost of the project is estimated to be $39,500 for one soccer field, and $71,000 if lighting is installed on two fields. The foundation is raising additional funds through fund raisers, donations and gifts from groups and individuals.

Completion is expected by July 31, 2003.

Anyone who would like to contribute may contact the foundation at 651-3165.

AmerenUE SmartLights grants provide funding for new or replacement energy-efficient lighting equipment in public areas like ball fields, parks and libraries.

The Cape Girardeau Public Schools Foundation project was among 50 selected for funding in 2002 from among 151 applicants.

Altogether, $250,000 was awarded. A panel of lighting experts from throughout AmerenUE and AmerenCIPS service areas performed the judging based on energy efficiency and other technical standards.