MONTGOMERY—Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded $30,000 in grants to help public schools in Fort Payne and Winston County become more energy efficient and reduce utility costs through upgrades to heating and cooling systems.
“Installing new and more energy efficient systems in these schools will help the systems save money while providing a comfortable environment for students, faculty and staff,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to assist these two school systems in making their buildings more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate.”
The Fort Payne Board of Education is using a $15,000 grant to install energy-saving heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems at Fort Payne Middle and High schools. The new equipment is meant to replace old, outdated equipment at both schools. Local matching funds of $5,267 will supplement the grant.
The Winston County school system also is receiving a $15,000 grant to upgrade HVAC units at Winston County High and Double Springs Elementary schools. The current heating systems at both schools are outdated and in need of replacement, school system officials said. Local matching funds of $3,770 will supplement the grant.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation, and water resource management.
Media Release/Alabama Department Economic and Community Affairs
