The Board of County Commissioners on March 2 authorized the county to accept a $438,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) awarded through the Maryland Energy Administration under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Why it matters: County staff said the EECBG funds can support energy-efficiency measures and renewable-energy systems at local government facilities and noted federal requirements that will apply to any funded projects.

Key compliance conditions: Department of Public Works and Transportation staff told the board the grant contains standard federal requirements, including Davis-Bacon prevailing-wage payroll rules for construction and a Buy American clause requiring that iron, steel and manufactured goods used on grant-funded projects be produced in the United States. Staff said those clauses will shape procurement and contractor selection for projects funded by the grant.

Project options discussed: Staff discussed possible uses of the grant, including a signature project such as a solar installation on the capped Clements landfill (potentially in partnership with the electric cooperative), LED lighting for the county airport airfield (staff said current lighting costs roughly $26,000 to $28,000 per year), building recommissioning to improve HVAC and system performance, and fleet conversions to hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicles. Staff said the county expects to prioritize projects that produce recurring operating savings rather than one-time capital installs.

Board action: Commissioner Jarboe moved approval; Commissioner DeMent seconded. The board voted to accept the EECBG award and authorize related budget amendments to establish a new FY2010 capital project with the $438,000 in federal funding.

Ending: Staff said it will return with recommended projects for board approval and noted a June 1, 2012 deadline for expenditure of funds under the program.