Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) announced that the U.S. Department of Energy will invest more than $43 million in energy efficiency and conservation projects in cities and counties throughout Missouri.  The funding was made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will be distributed through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. 

          “Missourians will see work begin on many important energy efficiency and conservation projects throughout the Show-Me State.  I am so pleased Congress approved the recovery package that will fund these projects.  This funding will create jobs in Missouri and will help to preserve and protect our environment,” said Skelton.

          The projects in Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District include:

          Blue Springs, $490,600;
          Jefferson City, $205,400;
          Lee’s Summit, $762,700;
          Cass County, $378,500.

          The funding will support energy efficiency projects in residential and commercial buildings and will invest in financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements.  Other projects eligible for use of grant funds include transportation programs that conserve energy, renewable energy installations on government buildings, energy efficient traffic signals and street lights, among others.

          To ensure accountability, the Department of Energy will provide guidance to and require grant recipients to report on the number of jobs created or retained, energy saved, renewable energy capacity installed, and greenhouse gas emissions reduced.  Funding is based on a formula that accounts for population and energy use.

          For more information on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program click here.

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Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee . For further information, please contact Rebecca Loving or Whitney Frost at 202-225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton’s website at http://www.house.gov/skelton.