Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm announced Jan. 25  $17.4 million in energy efficiency grants to 125 Michigan communities. Cass County will receive $181,600 through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants. These grants are funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act).

The grant will fund three county projects designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions: the installation of a solar hot water system at the county jail, replacement of a boiler at the jail and a solar hot water system for the animal control facility.

According to Grants and Project Manager Sandy Gower, in addition to the providing the funding for these much needed capital improvements, this grant will provide the county with operational savings. The newer more efficient systems will reduce the county’s consumption of natural gas and electricity thus lowering utility bills and reducing the county’s carbon footprint.