Federal Grant Helps University Park Save Energy

One University Park church already has solar panels on its roof, but that might become commonplace all over town, now that the town council voted unanimously to accept a $1.4 million grant from the federal government to improve energy efficiency.

The Department of Energy awarded the town the grant earlier this summer after a small group of residents led by Chuck Wilson wrote a grant proposal on behalf of the town. Only 20 towns in the nation were awarded grant money under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act out of thousands of towns that applied.

Wilson presented information about the grant and how residents can invest in saving the environment as well as some money at the council meeting on June 21.

"Some suggested usages of the grant money is a solar project on the roof of the (elementary) school, better street lighting, a composting systems and traffic lanes for buses," he said to the council and a group of residents at the meeting.

Although Wilson did much of the preliminary work with other residents, the town will now have to hire an energy coach -- a full-time position -- to organize the projects and to serve as a resource for residents.

Mayor John Tabori said the town is working on writing up a job description for the energy coach and will want to hire someone within the next few months.

The town is also looking for residents to join an advisory committee to oversee projects. Councilman Francis Lucas said he'd like each ward represented on the committee.

In a press release published earlier this summer, Kristina Johnson, the U.S. undersecretary of energy, said the projects will stimulate the economy, create jobs within local communities and increase investments in energy conservation.

"We already have proven technologies to reduce energy use at home and at work," Johnson said. "These projects will provide access to those tools for more Americans, saving money for thousands of families and businesses."

For the moment, however, a few University Park residents have already inquired about how the town could purchase energy efficient appliances in bulk and how they can apply for a loan to fund their energy efficient home improvements.