Grant to boost energy efficiency

Some of Omaha's older buildings and homes could become more energy efficient if the city is chosen to participate in a federal grant program.

Kristi Wamstad-Evans, the city's sustainability coordinator, said Omaha and Lincoln have paired up to apply for grant money that's part of President Barack Obama's federal stimulus package. Omaha and Lincoln will compete against other cities for a chunk of the nearly $454 million set aside for the program.

If selected to receive grant funding, Omaha and Lincoln officials would select businesses and homes in certain neighborhoods to be included in the program.

Most would be buildings constructed prior to 1940. The work would involve retrofitting the buildings to make them more energy efficient.

The two cities' application is due to the Department of Energy in December.

If selected, Omaha and Lincoln would be required to contribute to the program. Some city dollars from both cities could be used, but Wamstad-Evans said donations also would be sought from businesses and community groups.

Omaha and Lincoln also are looking for other sources of funding, including money from the state of Nebraska and utility companies.

Wamstad-Evans said between eight and 20 cities will be awarded grants. The amount of money the cities receive would depend on local contributions.

The grant application reflects Mayor Jim Suttle's commitment to the environment and to green jobs, said his spokesman Ron Gerard.

Omaha and Lincoln officials teamed up in hopes of getting an edge in competing against larger cities.

“Now we're trying to pull it all together,” said Milo Mumgaard, Lincoln's senior policy aide for sustainability. “This will set us up as having a novel approach that can be replicated elsewhere.”

For more information on the program, e-mail retrofitramp-up@ci.omaha.ne.us

Contact the writer:

444-3100, maggie.obrien@owh.com

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