Press Release - $10M New Energy Communities Initiative
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2008
CONTACTS:
Linda Rice, Department of Local Affairs, 303.866.6249
Megan Castle, Governor’s Energy Office, 303.866.2262
GOVERNOR RITTER ANNOUNCES $10 MILLION NEW ENERGY COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS - Opening a new chapter in Colorado's New Energy Economy while also strengthening the state's relationship with local communities, Gov. Bill Ritter announced today that he is launching a $10 million New Energy Communities Initiative.
Gov. Ritter made the announcement during a keynote address at the Colorado Municipal League's 86th annual conference in Steamboat Springs.
The new initiative is a partnership between the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and the Governor's Energy Office (GEO). The aim is to maximize energy efficiency and conservation, enhance community livability, promote economic development in downtowns, and address climate change by reducing carbon emissions.
"The New Energy Communities Initiative will reward local governments working collaboratively to position their communities at the forefront of the state's New Energy Economy," Gov. Ritter said. "This program is a great example of state agencies pooling resources to improve the livability in Colorado's communities."
The program will direct up to $10 million in Energy Impact Assistance Funds to at least five regional efforts (maximum of $2 million per region) striving to create integrated, vibrant and sustainable communities. It will build on existing GEO efficiency and conservation programs and offer them in a packaged format with financial and technical assistance programs offered through DOLA.
"The Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance program provides an invaluable service to Colorado," DOLA Executive Director Susan Kirkpatrick said. "The department is pleased to partner with the GEO to encourage regional efforts and to assist communities with the important task of creating sustainability."
The initiative will focus on three areas:
- Greening Public Facilities -- Assist partnerships among counties, municipalities, school districts and other local governments to upgrade, retrofit or develop energy efficient public facilities such as county courthouses, city halls, public works facilities, libraries, judicial facilities and community centers.
- Greening Downtowns -- Provide technical and financial resources for energy efficient upgrades/retrofits, streetscape improvements and downtown revitalization.
- Greening Homes – Provide the necessary technical resources to aid local governments in educating homeowners on programs to incorporate energy efficient upgrades/retrofits and adopting model building codes to ensure that new housing units meet higher energy efficiency standards.
"GEO is proud to partner with DOLA to deliver the New Energy Communities Initiative," GEO Director Tom Plant said. "By making these investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy, we better prepare Colorado communities to succeed in the New Energy Economy today and for future generations."
Interested applicants are urged to contact DOLA by July 18, 2008, for assistance in preparing an application. DOLA and GEO anticipate a competitive grant program with a Sept. 19, 2008, application deadline. For more information on the program and how to apply, please visit: www.dola.colorado.gov/NewEnergyCommunities.