Commission applies for grant

by Jazz Clark
The Morgan County Commissioners want to go greener, and a grant to help themselves and homeowners become more energy efficient might do the trick.

At a special meeting on November 29, the commission unanimously approved a resolution for the West Virginia Division of Energy Local Energy Efficiency Grant Program (LEEGP). Applications were required to be postmarked the next day.

The commissioners had just heard about the grant a week before, so they struggled to put the application together. Partners who helped with the grant included Mountain View Solar, Economic Development Authority and Blue Ridge Community College.

Designed for local government to help with assessing energy costs and community projects, the grant is intended to assist homeowners and business owners with becoming more energy conscious.

“We’re looking primarily at the Pines Opportunity Center, but we have a lot of buildings,” said Bill Clark of the county’s Economic Development Authority. “If we are fortunate enough to get this grant, it should solve a lot of our costs in terms of having energy and guidance on what to do.”

It’s expected that five grants will be given out in the state with funding up to $10,000. Matching funds of 20% will be required. Together with partners they came up with a $3,200 match.

Funding can pay for anything involved with determining energy usage and savings, cost estimates of improvements and recommendations for construction done, and for all costs in educational events about energy.

Grant money cannot pay for equipment, construction, administrative costs or food.

“It’s a long shot, but if we are willing, we should do it,” said Clark. “It could be a formidable application.”

Results of who received the grants should be known by the end of the year.