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Governor Bev Perdue recently announced the recipients of federal Recovery Act funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, of which a large portion – $739,756 – is coming to the AdvantageWest region. The grants were divided into two separate categories. "Main Street" energy project funding recipients: • Morganton (Burke Co.): $101,995 for energy efficiency upgrades involving two condo-units and eight businesses belonging to five properties in the Main Street district. Properties are incorporating energy upgrades including insulation, heating and air conditioning units, hot water systems, lighting, appliances, windows, toilets, general weatherization, awnings and roofs. • Spruce Pine (Mitchell Co.): $66,938 for the installation of a solar photovoltaic system to be located on the roof of a vacant service station in downtown Spruce Pine. The solar system will produce a 12.3 percent energy cost reduction in the first year of operation for Craftsmen Inc./The Calafate Group. The energy generated from the solar system will be used to partially offset the costs associated with operating drying kilns which are used in the manufacturing process to dry, sterilize, and convert large sections of tree bark into the company's "Bark House" brand exterior shingles. Funding will also assist in energy efficiency upgrades of three kilns. In total, the project represents a 52.3 percent reduction in energy use by the manufacturer. • Hendersonville (Henderson Co.): $52,200 for energy efficiency upgrades in three Main Street businesses as well as a street-lighting retrofit. Upgrades include heating and air conditioning equipment retrofits, insulation, solar hot water installation, lighting retrofits and occupancy sensor controls. The changes will result in an overall 40 percent reduction in electricity use by the business owners. The street lighting retrofit includes the replacement of 32 light fixtures on Main Street with LED light fixtures for a savings to the town of $11,500 annually. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program recipients: • Valdese (Burke Co.): $200,000 to replace one pump and one variable frequency drive in Lake Rhodhiss Wastewater Treatment Facility's influent pump station and replace three fixed mechanical aerators with a smaller, more efficient aeration system. • Asheville (Buncombe Co.): $200,000 to Buncombe Co. Schools to continue a lighting retrofit program by replacing 17,720 lighting fixtures with high-efficiency fixtures in 11 school buildings. • Morganton (Burke Co.): $118,622 for five projects: Install updated heating and air conditioning controls in several buildings to provide greater efficiency; upgrade the heating and cooling management system in Morganton's Municipal Auditorium; install occupancy sensors in bathrooms and offices in multiple buildings; retrofit for more efficient lighting in several locations; and insulate Community House. (Image provided by AdvantageWest Region.)
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