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 Howard County commissioners discuss seeking a federal grant worth approximately $75,000 during the court's Monday morning meeting. The funding is part of the federal government's stimulus package and is designed to help county government make their facilities more energy efficient. The court voted in favor of seeking the grant. (HERALD photo/Thomas Jenkins) By THOMAS JENKINS
Staff Writer
Howard County commissioners may have gotten their “feet in the door” for $75,000 in federal stimulus funds Monday, as the court agreed to pursue a grant to help make county facilities more energy efficient.
While commissioners joked about the thick stacks of paperwork no doubt needed to receive the funding — measured in hours and inches by most commissioners — County Judge Mark Barr said it could help make county buildings a little “greener.” “This falls under the 'Green funding' the government recently approved to try to improve energy efficiency at government buildings, such as courthouses and other facilities,” said Barr. “It includes things like energy efficient lighting and windows, as well as water fixtures and other things that can help save on utilities.” The court approved the measure unanimously, but whether or not the county will actually pursue the grant is still up in the air, according to Barr. “This is basically just our way of throwing our name into the hat,” said Barr. “Later on down the road we may decide we don't want to participate, but for now this just gets our foot in the door.” The program, which was signed into law Dec. 19, 2007, provides funds to units of local and state government, Indian tribes and territories to develop and implement projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions in their communities. More than $2.7 billion in funding is expected to be handed out by the federal government.
Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at
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