Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state has officially applied to receive nearly $39 million in federal stimulus funds for energy programs by assuring the U.S. Department of Energy that Connecticut will adhere to stipulations outlined in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
“These funds will help us continue our momentum on creating a green collar workforce while building an economy of the future that includes renewable and alternative energy sources and clean technology,” Governor Rell said. “We are a proven national leader in the field and our existing energy programs have Connecticut well-positioned to soar with the next generation of jobs and green technology.”
Connecticut is in line to receive $38.5 million in energy stimulus grants. Governor Rell signed the letter of application on March 23 to U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu in accordance with Section 410 of the ARRA.
The letter includes an outline of the State Energy Program, developed to meet four goals mandated by the U.S. Energy Department. The goals are:
Increase efficiency and reduce energy costs for consumers, businesses and government
Reduce reliance on imported energy
Improve reliability of electricity and delivery of energy services
Reduce the impact of energy production on the environment
“Many of our standards in Connecticut meet or exceed the federal requirements and I am confident we will be able to put these stimulus funds to work as soon as possible,” Governor Rell said.
The State Energy Plan includes expansion of the state’s leading fuel cell industry, a geothermal and solar thermal initiative for residential and commercial buildings and increased support for wind energy.
Overall, Connecticut will receive about $3 billion in federal stimulus dollars. Approximately $1.65 billion is in direct aid and grants while $1.3 billion is in the form of Medicaid assistance. The federal government estimates the ARRA will create and/or save more than 40,000 jobs in Connecticut.
For more information the ARRA in Connecticut and to view a copy of the energy application documents, visit the state’s official stimulus Web site at www.ct.gov and click on the CT Recovery link.