Connecticut Environmental Jobs Created by Stimulus Funds

Posted on April 6, 2009

Some money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help create Connecticut environmental jobs.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell recently announced that the State of Connecticut will receive $24 million in federal stimulus funds for energy efficiency projects at the state and local level. Of the $24 million, more than $15 million has been awarded directly to many municipalities. The $24 million is on top of an additional investment of $102.8 million for weatherization and other energy funding the state will receive through stimulus funding.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for towns and cities to make investments that build on our long-term goals for a cleaner environment while creating jobs at the local level,” Rell said in a press release. “Municipalities have the flexibility to use these grants for project that best suit their needs.”

The funding is expected to support a variety of projects, including energy audits, retrofits, transportation programs that conserve energy, greenhouse gas reduction, development of energy-efficient building codes and geothermal building systems. Towns and cities also have the capability to create a financial incentive program for energy improvements.

Following on the path to more green jobs, Rell previously announced that the state has finalized a comprehensive list of regulations for the construction and renovation of state-owned buildings and public schools. The regulations will help create more green collar jobs and reduce the facilities’ energy consumption and costs.

“We are building a cleaner, greener future for all of Connecticut,” Rell said in a press release. “These strict standards will lead to a new generation of energy efficient ‘green’ buildings, and ultimately reduce our carbon footprint on the environment. Our children, grandchildren and generations beyond will benefit from the stewardship that we commit to today.”