MONTGOMERY— Gov. Bob Riley has awarded a $198,276 economic stimulus grant to help the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind save energy and reduce utility bills in buildings at its campus in Talladega.

The institute will upgrade lighting systems in the Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf and the Helen Keller School of Alabama. The new lighting will save about $22,000 per year, by using lower wattage bulbs that provide an equivalent amount of light, according to institute officials.

“Improvements to boost energy efficiency are a good investment,” Riley said. “The funds saved by taking these energy-saving measures can be used to benefit students in the classroom.”  

The project will replace 2,154 light fixtures in 19 facilities, including classrooms, gyms, libraries, dormitories and cafeterias.

The lighting upgrades are the latest in a series of improvements to institute buildings, most of which were built in the early to mid 20^th century. Previous projects include the replacement of inefficient heating and air conditioning equipment, asbestos removal and roof and window replacements.

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

Riley notified Dr. Terry Graham, president of the institute, that the grant had been approved.

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Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers