LITTLE ROCK — More than 40 Arkansas cities and counties will split $6.2 million in stimulus grants aimed at increasing energy efficiency and developing renewable energy projects, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission announced Wednesday.
The funds, awarded through the U.S. Department of Energy and made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, are being distributed by the Arkansas Energy Office.
“Our communities often see their resources stretched thin while trying to provide essential services to their citizens,” Gov. Mike Beebe said in a news release. “These grants will help our local governments operate at lower costs through energy efficiency, a benefit that will continue long after these funds are spent.”
More than 80 percent of the grants will be used to retrofit existing buildings with energy efficient features like advanced heating and cooling equipment, new lighting and insulation. Other funds will go toward installing solar hot water devices, geothermal units and wind turbines.
The grants were awarded based on scores developed by independent judges outside Arkansas.
The cities receiving the grants are: Bella Vista, Benton, Bentonville, Bryant, Burdette, Cabot, Carlisle, Clarksville, Elkins, Emerson, Emmet, Eureka Springs, Foreman, Garland, Gentry, Greenbrier, Guy, Harrison, Lake Village, Lamar, Manila, Maumelle, Mayflower, Mineral Springs, Norphlet, Prescott, Sparkman, Stamps, Stuttgart, Texarkana, Thornton, Van Buren and West Memphis. Counties awarded the grant are: Columbia County, Fulton County, Lawrence County, Ouachita County, Perry County, Randolph County, Searcy County and Sharp County.