MONTGOMERY— An economic stimulus grant awarded by Gov. Bob Riley will help save energy and cut utility costs at a Birmingham nonprofit center for autistic children.

Glenwood Inc. will use the $148,651 grant to replace old windows and skylights at the Allan Cott Center with models that conserve more energy. The center houses a school for youth ages 6-21 in the Birmingham area who are severely affected by autism. 

“Improving energy efficiency is a wise investment for Glenwood,” Riley said. “These improvements will provide a more comfortable environment for students and teachers, and reduce utility expenses.”

The project will replace 64 single-pane windows that are 24 years old with tripled-paned models that hold in more warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer. The new windows should reduce energy bills up to 15 percent, according to Energy Star data. Glenwood also will replace 18 skylights with models that feature tinted and coated glass. The windows and skylights will be installed with shade systems to further reduce heat from the sunlight during warm weather.

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

Riley notified D. Lee Yount, president and CEO of Glenwood, that the grant had been approved.

--30--

Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers