Governor Bob Riley presented $1 million of economic stimulus funds to central Alabama governments to make energy-saving upgrades to cut utility costs as a part of a program called Regional Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund.

This program was originated by  the collaborative efforts of the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB), the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) and the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) to benefit Bibb, Blount, Chilton, St. Clair and Walker counties.

 The St. Clair County Commission has been awarded the first part of the funding equal to about $200,000. This money will go toward energy-saving upgrades which will provide a return in the form of cost savings to the county.  When the returns from these investments are received, the counties can use the funds toward other projects which also produce an additional cost savings return.  

 “Increasing the energy efficiency of our buildings is a good investment for taxpayers, Alabama businesses and the environment,” Riley said. “The projects made possible by this cooperative financing effort will pay huge dividends for many years to come.”

 The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the award from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Energy as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 

 “This grant is a wonderful example of the way we can pool resources to better our communities through

regionalism.  Because of the work of the organizations involved including the BBA, EDPA, RPCGB and

county officials, we were able to combine our efforts for the betterment of the entire region.  These

funds can go toward projects that will have a positive effect not only on St. Clair County, but on central Alabama and our entire state,” said Chairman Stan Batemon of the St. Clair County Commission. 

 “Jefferson and Shelby counties have already received a direct allocation from the Department of Energy,” said BBA president and CEO Dalton Smith, “These funds allow the other five counties in our region to benefit from this energy efficiency program.  It’s a win-win for all of our communities and we are proud to be part of the team that secured this funding.”

 Projects eligible for loans include purchase and installation of energy-efficient equipment, windows and doors; installation and use of renewable energy technologies; and projects that reduce environmental waste. 

 St. Clair County officials estimate that 10-20 loans will be made from the initial funding with more financing available as loans are repaid. The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham will administer the loan fund.

  Riley awarded the grant as part of $9.6 million in grants to be awarded under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. The program helps governments and nonprofit groups improve the energy efficiency of buildings and vehicles, reduce fossil fuel emissions and create or retain jobs.

  St. Clair County is serving as the chief fiscal agent for the grant. Riley notified Stan Batemon, chairman of the St. Clair County Commission, that the grant had been approved.