July 20, 2010

Governor Paterson Announces $1.7 Million in Stimulus Funding Awarded to State Energy Projects in Western New York

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that $1.7 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding has been awarded to support 14 energy conservation projects in Western New York. The funding awarded to municipalities, universities and colleges, hospitals and not-for-profit agencies will reduce these entities' energy and operating costs by $888,000 annually. Through these awards, New York continues to invest in a clean energy economy and achieve Governor Paterson's goal of meeting 45 percent of our energy needs through energy efficiency and renewable energy by 2015.

This is the third round of funding provided to allocate $74 million for State Energy Program expenditures. Through this portion of the State Energy Plan initiative, 248 projects were funded to help public and non-profit entities in every region of the state reduce energy costs by $22 million. Measures funded include installation of photovoltaic systems, lighting retrofits, installation of solar thermal systems, and installation of energy management systems, among others.

“During a time of declining resources, these funds will provide public and non-profit entities with critical resources needed to make long-term investments that will reduce their energy costs and save taxpayers money,” Governor Paterson said. “These investments will invigorate the State's economy, heighten the demand for clean renewable technologies, and help put New Yorkers to work in the clean energy economy. I applaud President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for their work to secure these critical funds that promote economic recovery, energy independence and strong environmental stewardship.”

Proposals received by NYSERDA were evaluated on a competitive basis. Primary selection criteria included technical viability, cost-effectiveness, demonstration of compliance with program requirements, and cost sharing. Each awardee must still successfully enter into contract and meet all ARRA requirements prior to funding being released.

“The federal stimulus program is providing critical funding to help local governments, hospitals and non-profit agencies reduce their energy costs while helping New York reduce its overall energy consumption and our impact on the environment,” said Francis J. Murray, president and CEO of NYSERDA. “The energy conservation measures this funding supports will help create jobs and make meaningful progress towards meeting Governor David Paterson's ambitious energy reduction goals. NYSERDA looks forward to working with the award recipients to help them achieve the greatest savings possible.

We are grateful to President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for working to support these initiatives with critically important funding that will help protect our environment and enhance our energy security.”

Visit NYSERDA Project Implementation Funding for State Energy ARRA Page for more information about RFP 1613.

A detailed table of the energy conservation projects awarded can be found at: NYSERDA Economic Recovery Page.

Contact:

Jeffrey Gordon, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 ext. 3544
jrg@nyserda.ny.gov