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(Cheyenne) – Nearly two dozen Wyoming communities and tribal entities are eligible to apply for national economic stimulus funding aimed at reducing fossil fuel emissions and increasing energy efficiency.

According to guidance issued last week by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), 20 Wyoming towns and counties, both the Arapaho and Shoshone Tribes and the State Energy Office may apply for federal energy efficiency grants through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 provided $3.5 billion to the DOE for the grant program which awards formula grants to states, U.S. territories, local governments and Indian tribes for efforts focused on cutting fossil fuel emissions, reducing energy use and improving energy efficiency in the building and transportation sectors.

Eligibility for the EECBG program is based on population, and Wyoming’s 10 largest cities and 10 largest counties, less the population of any cities eligible for funding, may apply for up to $2.5 million in DOE-determined grants.

The following cities are eligible to apply for the specified amount of funding:

- Casper $503,600
- Cheyenne $547,800
- Evanston $50,000
- Gillette $107,800
- Green River $50,000
- Jackson $50,000
- Laramie $117,500
- Riverton $50,000
- Rock Springs $83,200
- Sheridan $72,400

The following counties are eligible to apply for the specified amount of funding:

- Campbell $68,300
- Carbon $66,500
- Converse $54,000
- Fremont $115,000
- Goshen $50,200
- Laramie $124,200
- Lincoln $68,100
- Natrona $81,700
- Park $116,000
- Sheridan $50,000

Additionally, the Arapaho Tribe is eligible to apply for $182,900 while the Shoshone Tribe is eligible to apply for $106,100.

To receive funding, interested entities must first prepare plans for using the funds and should submit applications to the DOE no later than June 25, 2009. Grant funding may be used to:
• Develop an overall energy efficiency and conservation strategy
• Retain technical consultant services to develop efficiency and conservation strategies
• Conduct energy audits of residential and commercial buildings
• Establish financial incentive programs for energy efficient measures
• Make energy retrofits for nonprofits and governmental agencies
• Develop and implement energy efficiency and conservation strategies for buildings and facilities
• Develop and implement energy efficient transportation programs
• Develop and implement building codes and inspection services to promote building energy efficiency
• Distribute technologies that increase energy efficiency such as district heating and cooling systems, and cogeneration and energy storage systems, among others
• Increase participation and efficiency in material conservation programs such as recycling, source reduction and recycled content procurement programs
• Reduce and capture methane and greenhouse gases
• Replace traffic signals and street lighting with energy efficient lighting
• Develop, implement or install on government buildings renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, fuel cells, and biomass

The State Energy Office is also eligible to apply for $9.5 million, a portion of which would be made available to communities not eligible for the EECBG program. The application process for those cities, towns and counties will be issued when more information is available.

The State Energy Office will hold public meetings around the state April 27-31 to provide city and county officials more information about the grant program.

"These meetings are intended to help demystify the program for local governments and answer any questions they may have," said Tom Fuller, State Energy Programs manager. "There are some rather rigorous Department of Energy reporting requirements they need to be aware of and also a state reporting requirement through the overall stimulus. I look forward to discussing the many ways Wyoming communities can put this funding to work."

For information on the registration and application process for communities, contact Tom Fuller at tom.fuller@wybusiness.org or 307-777-2804.

The mission of the Wyoming Business Council is to facilitate the economic growth of Wyoming. For more information, please visit www.wyomingbusiness.org.