Bomke: 50th District receives clean energy grants         

Four Lincoln schools benefit

[JUNE 14, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- Embracing environmentally friendly ways of using and producing energy is just one way communities across Illinois can help the state remain healthy and prosperous for years to come.

This is why State Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, was pleased to learn that schools and organizations throughout the 50th District have received $812,630 from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation to complete projects to reduce pollution by saving energy and increasing energy efficiency in their facilities.

"Our district has always been very fortunate in receiving these types of grants from the foundation, receiving nearly $3 million in grants over the last four years." Bomke said. "It's important to make improvements to our communities without sacrificing the environment, and these grants enable us to do just that."

Specifically for the 50th District, grants have been awarded to:

• Athens Community Unit School District 213, Athens -- $34,800 for lighting upgrade

• Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives, Springfield -- $500,000 for geothermal energy program

• City of Springfield -- $74,880 for LED lighting upgrade

• Lincoln Christian College, Lincoln -- $15,569 for lighting upgrade

• Lincoln Community High School District 404, Lincoln -- $23,739 for lighting upgrade

• Lincoln College, Lincoln -- $116,412, for lighting upgrade

• Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield -- $5,802 for lighting upgrade

• Little Flower, Springfield -- $13,020 for lighting upgrade

• Springfield School District 186, Springfield -- $9,634 for lighting upgrade

• St. Joseph's School, Springfield -- $4,422 for lighting upgrade

• Zion Lutheran School, Lincoln -- $14,352 for lighting upgrade

Bomke explained that the schools received funding to make money-saving energy-efficiency investments, particularly upgrading interior lighting. The new, efficient lighting not only improves the classroom environment for both students and teachers, but reduces power-related pollution in the state's communities.

The city of Springfield received a grant to upgrade traffic signals, using energy-efficient LED bulbs. These bulbs use up to 85 percent less electricity than the conventional bulbs they replace and improve safety through increased visibility. Additionally, LED bulbs last up to 10 times longer than conventional bulbs, reducing signal downtime and associated maintenance.

The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation was established in December 1999 and has awarded more than $100 million in grants with the goal of providing financial support for projects that advance energy efficiency, expand the use of renewable energy resources, and preserve and enhance natural areas and wildlife habitats throughout Illinois.

[News release from Sen. Larry Bomke]

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