Title
Resolution to Accept Grant and Appropriate Funds from the US Department of Energy for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Project ($1,243,400.00 Federal Funds) (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
The attached resolution authorizes a grant agreement with the US Department of Energy (DOE) to accept a $1,243,400.00 three-year Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) for the City of Ann Arbor to develop and implement projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions.
On May 1, 2006, City Council passed resolution R-175-5-06, setting three strong renewable energy targets for the city: 30% renewable energy for municipal operations by 2010; 20% renewable energy for the Ann Arbor community by 2015; and 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2000 levels for the Ann Arbor community by 2015. With these goals in mind, Energy Office staff worked alongside the Energy Commission and solicited input from the community to develop potential program elements to consider for EECBG funding. This list of potential programs was prioritized according to cost-effectiveness and impact on both the municipal operations and community goals, and the following work plan was submitted to the DOE for funding.
Community Energy Efficiency Initiative: $763,400.00 federal funding
The bulk of the EECBG grant will fund the development and implementation of a Community Energy Efficiency Initiative to help community members become more energy efficient. Of this total amount, $432,800.00 is budgeted to incentivize energy improvements to Ann Arbor homes and businesses. One incentive mechanism under consideration is an energy improvement financing program currently being investigated by staff. An additional $260,600.00 will be used to staff the program for two years and fund outreach and education efforts. Finally, $70,000.00 will seed a revolving loan fund to assist Ann Arbor businesses in making energy improvements. Sta...
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