At about the 30-day mark since President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, federal agencies are releasing more of the $787-billion stimulus measure’s construction funding. The Dept. of Energy, Dept. of Transportation and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on March 12 and 13 detailed plans to distribute more than $1 billion in stimulus aid.
The Dept. of Energy said on March 12 that it plans to release to state and local agencies an initial installment of $777.8 million of its $7.8 billion in stimulus funds for home weatherization and aid to states’ energy offices. The initial distribution includes $471.8 million for weatherization and $307 million for the State Energy Program. DOE’s aid to state energy offices can go for energy-efficiency upgrades for state and local government buildings and also for nonconstruction uses such as rebates for energy audits.