LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has announced the award of more than $958,000 in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funding to 12 Nebraska communities.

Nebraska received EECBG funds from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This grant supports local communities in implementing high-impact, self-sustaining clean energy projects.

“These EECBG funds will go toward projects that will provide community-wide benefits and help our communities become more energy efficient,” NDEE Interim Director Thad Fineran said.

Eligible projects included upgrades to energy efficient lighting; installation of renewable energy systems on government buildings; development of alternative transportation infrastructure such as pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths; and public education to promote energy efficiency and conservation.

Grant awards are:

· Beatrice – $58,041 to fund energy efficient lighting in the city’s auditorium and police station
· Bloomfield – $71,682 to fund energy efficient lighting and windows in the city library
· Curtis – $87,871 to fund energy efficient streetlights on Highways 18 and 23
· Hickman – $100,000 to fund energy efficient streetlights and street signs
· Mitchell – $24,324 to fund energy efficient lighting at city hall, the police department, the senior center, and the library
· Nebraska City Utilities – $100,000 to fund energy efficient streetlights along the main streets or entrances to Bennet, Douglas, Palmyra, Unadilla, Otoe, Lorton, Julian and Brock.
· North Platte – $100,000 to fund energy efficient lighting at city hall, fire stations #2 and #3, the rec center, the senior center, and the ball field
· Peru – $81,731 to fund energy efficient streetlights along the downtown/business district
· Shickley – $83,148 to fund energy efficient streetlights
· South Sioux City – $100,000 to fund energy efficient lighting at the ball field
· Wahoo – $100,000 to fund energy efficient streetlights
· Walthill – $51,696 to fund solar streetlights

More information can be found on NDEE’s website: https://dee.nebraska.gov/aid/energy-loans-grants-rebates/energy-efficiency-and-conservation-block-grant-program.