MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley announced a $163,000 grant to help schools and local governments in north and central Alabama reduce utility costs by installing energy-efficient improvements in their buildings.

The Alabama Retirees Technical Advisory Group will also use the funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission to train science teachers in energy-efficiency measures and work with students on several hands-on projects to teach them energy conservation methods.

“This program provides numerous benefits for schools, students and local governments,” Bentley said. “With help from retired engineers, scientists and other professionals that make up ARTAG, our public facilities will be able to save on energy consumption, and students will learn how to apply many of these measures at home.”

The energy projects will be limited to 37 north Alabama counties that are part of the coverage area served by ARC.

Under the proposal ARTAG will:

· Install an energy producing solar panel in at least one public library located in a county with high unemployment and poverty and classified by ARC as distressed or at-risk of becoming distressed. ARTAG also will use the project as a teaching tool.

· Assist public facility operators to apply for zero percent interest loans offered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs for completing certain energy efficient projects.

· Work with high schools and community colleges within the ARC region to develop a teaching curriculum and provide teaching materials for instructors in energy conservation. Students will learn conservation techniques and how to employ energy-use sensors to help save their schools money on energy costs.

The Appalachian Regional Commission was established in 1965 as a supplemental grant program to raise the standard of living, improve the quality of life and promote economic development in the Appalachian mountain region. The program is administered in Alabama by ADECA.

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