Explanation
Background: The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) Program, funded for the first time by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, represents a Presidential priority to deploy the cheapest, cleanest, and most reliable energy technologies available - energy efficiency and conservation - across the country.
The Program, authorized in Title V, Subtitle E of the Energy Independence and Security Act is modeled after the Community Development Block Grant program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is intended to assist U.S. cities, counties, states, territories, and Indian tribes to develop, promote, implement, and manage energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs designed to:
· Reduce fossil fuel emissions;
· Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities;
· Improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building, and other appropriate sectors; and
· Create and retain jobs.
Through formula and competitive grants, the Program empowers local communities to make strategic investments to meet the nation's long-term goals for energy independence and leadership on climate change. The City of Columbus has received $7,403,500 from this allocation, as described by Ordinance No. 0868-2009, passed June 22, 2009. The Franklin County Historical Society dba COSI Columbus (or COSI) was identified as a sub-recipient of up to $144,000 of these monies.
The contract with COSI will enable it to make a variety of energy savings investments to its 300,000+ square foot facility. The COSI site is owned by the City of Columbus and is leased by the City to the State of Ohio. COSI operates the site under an agreement with the State of Ohio. A recent energy audit, with an advisory board including representation from the City of Columbus, provided recommendations on potential energy saving investments in new equipment and technology to reduce energy consumption and ope...
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