PARKERSBURG - Wood County is seeking two $10,000 energy grants from the West Virginia Division of Energy.
County commissioners approved the applications for the two grant applications, which each require a 20 percent funding match from the sponsoring entity, in this case, the county.
"There are five grants available statewide for a maximum of $10,000 each. The application must be dated Nov. 30 so if a city or county isn't poised now and ready to go with an application, there shouldn't be too many applying," Toni Tiano, county grant coordinator, told commissioners.
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Toni Tiano, county grant coordinator, outlines two energy grant applications for Wood County commissioners. If awarded, the grants would provide funds for education/information on saving energy and neighborhood energy audits.
"These are two separate grants. One is for education for community groups and neighborhoods on energy conversion and energy related issues. The other grant would be for actual energy assessments for three neighborhoods. If awarded, we hope to use the funds to have 30 assessments done," Tiano said.
"If there aren't many other entities ready to apply, Wood County stands a good chance of getting the funds. We're excited about this, it fills a financial void in these areas," Commissioner Wayne Dunn said.
"Those having the assessments done would be provided with cost estimates for any changes that would be needed and they would be provided with a list of contractors available to do the work. It would be up to the homeowner whether to have the work done," Tiano said. "The idea is they would see savings in their utility bills if they follow through."
Neighborhoods that might be included in the program were not identified during Monday's meeting.
Tiano said the grant actually ends Sept. 30.
"We are assuming the grant award will be soon, possibly in January because the funds have to be expended before the grant period ends in September," Tiano said.
