Grant funds to green up Vallejo

Grant funds to green up Vallejo
By Jessica A. York/Times-Herald staff writer
Posted: 04/18/2009

A federal grant promoting energy efficiency and conservation could inject as much as $1.05 million into Vallejo's economy in coming months.

The city is eligible to apply for the grant funding on projects taking four months or less that aim to produce jobs, stimulate the economy and reduce the city's carbon "footprint."

Vallejo was informed late last month of its eligibility for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, funded through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

City staff likely will hire a grant-funded environmental consultant to help refine ideas city staff is working on, said John Cerini, a city maintenance superintendent.

Two early ideas to save energy include installing LED street lights in targeted areas across the city, an annual $600,000 utility bill, and solar-powered lit crosswalks near city schools, Cerini said.

Contact staff writer Jessica A. York at (707) 553-6834 or jyork@thnewsnet.com.