Small- to medium-sized cities in Tennessee can now apply for more than $9 million in federal stimulus funds to assist in conserving energy and reducing fossil fuel emissions.

The funds were made available Wednesday by Gov. Phil Bredesen and the Department of Economic and Community Development through the state’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. The program offers $9.3 million in competitive grants to local governments, with a maximum grant amount of $100,000.

“The cleanest energy of all is the energy we don’t use, and these grants will give our cities and counties the tools they need to conserve,” ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber said.

The money can be used by governments to retrofit existing buildings with energy efficient measures; implement renewable energy technologies in government buildings; replace traffic signals and street lights with more energy efficient lighting technology or develop an overall energy efficiency and conservation strategy with an eye toward “setting the example,” Bredesen said.

The 17 largest cities and 10 largest counties in Tennessee may apply directly to the U.S. Department of Energy. Other cities and counties may apply through the state of Tennessee by 5 p.m. Dec. 31.

Applications will be scored based on the local government’s strategy, feasibility, readiness to proceed, impact, partnerships and sustainability of the programs presented.

Applications and more information are available here.

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