MONTGOMERY— DeKalb County is taking steps to save energy and cut utility costs in two county-owned buildings with the help of a $36,000 economic stimulus grant awarded by Gov. Bob Riley.

The grant will fund upgrades to heating and air conditioning equipment and is part of $9.6 million to be awarded by Riley under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. The program helps governments and nonprofit groups improve the energy efficiency of buildings and vehicles, reduce fossil fuel emissions and create or retain jobs.

“These improvements to our public buildings are a wise economic and environmental investment,” Riley said. “In addition to providing work for construction professionals, the energy-saving steps taken today by DeKalb County officials will save taxpayers thousands of dollars in the future.”

The county will replace old, inefficient heating and cooling systems in the library and Board of Education buildings with energy-efficient units.  In addition, a white rubber roof coating is planned for the Board of Education building. The coating will reflect sunlight and protect the roof from the elements.

County officials say the measures will cut annual energy costs and save enough money to pay the salary of one county employee.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the award from funds made available to Alabama by the U.S. Department of Energy as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Riley notified Sid Holcomb, president of the County Commission, that the grant had been approved. The county has committed $4,000 toward the project.

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Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers