Cape County, Jackson to share energy grants of $11.3 million

Cape Girardeau County and Jackson are among 58 communities and counties in the state awarded grants for energy efficiency projects.

Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the grants will help pay for projects intended to assist in reducing energy use, cutting down on fossil fuel emissions and creating and retaining jobs, according to a news release Friday from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

About $11.3 million in grants was awarded through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Energize Missouri Communities program, including $847,352 for five communities and counties in Southeast Missouri.

Jackson received the most in the area, with $466,275 to use for equipment upgrades at the city's wastewater treatment facility at 508 Eastview Court. Those upgrades include electric motor controls, blowers and process control equipment.

"With energy rates continuing to rise, anytime you receive money from another source to help pay for something that will make things more efficient, that's a good thing," city engineer Kent Peetz said.

The city is also getting some of the $318,724 that Cape Girardeau County will receive for replacement of 7,500 light fixtures with high efficiency lighting at 111 schools and municipal offices. The county will distribute the money to cities including Cape Girardeau and Jackson and school districts in Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Leopold, Meadow Heights, Nell Holcomb and Oak Ridge.

"This project will result in saving literally thousands of dollars in utility bills for several entities in Cape Girardeau and Bollinger counties," said David Grimes, director of research and special projects for the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission. "Besides these direct benefits, reduced load on the electric grid will help with air quality issues as generators are not required to run as much."

Perry County was also awarded money to install more energy-efficient lighting. About $30,000 will replace exterior lighting at the county's sheriff office.

Officials believe the fixtures could save as much as 50 percent on energy costs.

Farther south, Butler County was awarded $22,745 for installing sensors and replacing lights at Poplar Bluff Junior High School, while the city of Parma learned it will receive $9,608 for retrofitting the HVAC system at its community center.

All work on Energize Missouri Communities projects must be complete by August 2012.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

243-6635

Pertinent addresses:

1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO

101 Court St., Jackson, MO

508 Eastview Court, Jackson, MO