Costa Announces $3,090,700 In Federal Grant Funding For Bakersfield and Kern County

September 9, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Bakersfield) announced that a total of $3,090,700 has been awarded to the City of Bakersfield and Kern County to help communities improve their energy efficiency, reduce their energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and create green jobs locally. The City of Bakersfield received $3,040,700 and Kern County received $50,000. Funding was made available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and released by the United States Department of Energy through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program.

"Kern County is quickly becoming a national leader in solar energy development," Costa said. "Renewable energy facilities are springing up throughout Kern County and these facilities have created a number of new jobs, providing a model for others to follow. I know the county and the city will put these timely funds to good use."

Activities eligible for EECBG funding include energy audits and building retrofits in the residential and commercial sector, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements.

Transparency and accountability are important priorities for the EECBG Program and all Recovery Act projects. Throughout the program's implementation, DOE will provide strong oversight at the local, state, and tribal level, while emphasizing the need to quickly award funds to help create new jobs and stimulate local economies.