Green funding

State seeks input on Mid-south’s involvement in projects

Funding to help local governments increase energy efficiency and reduce harmful emissions is a breath of fresh air for local leaders in the Mid-south. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Robert J. Martineau Jr. made a stop in the Mid-south Jan. 27 to meet with area government leaders as part of his statewide listening tour to address concerns and discuss the region’s involvement in the Clean Tennessee Energy Grant Program as well as the Energy Efficiency Projects.

The grant program will fund a series of energy- efficient projects in the state to increase cost savings and decrease emissions. Funding for this new endeavor comes from an April 2011 Clean Air Act settlement with the Tennessee Valley Authority. Tennessee will receive $26.4 million over five years for these projects and programs.

Martineau is the seventh commissioner of TDEC. He took office in January 2011 and, according to Gov. Bill Haslam, is “one of Tennessee’s foremost experts on environmental regulations, bringing an unparalleled level of knowledge to the field.”

Bartlett Mayor Keith Mcdonald hosted the meeting at Bartlett City Hall, and was joined by Memphis Area Association of Governments executive director Pamela D. Marshall, ECD Regional Director (Greater Memphis Region) Ted Townsend III, Fayette County Mayor Rhea “Skip” Taylor, Collierville Mayor Stan Joyner Jr., Martineau, Rep. Ron Lollar, R-bartlett, Millington Interim Mayor Linda Carter and TDEC Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill.

According to TDEC, a total of $2.25 million will be available in the first round of grants, with a maximum per-project budget of $250,000.

For more information on applying for the TDEC grants, visit the TDEC website at tn.gov/environment/energygrants. Application deadline is March 30.

Joyce E. Mckinney is public information officer for Memphis Area Association of Governments.