The ARRA federal funding includes $275 billion for federal contracts, grants, and loans. A portion of these funds were directed into the Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant Program, or EECBG. EECBG provides grants to U.S. local governments, states, territories, and Indian Tribes to fund projects that reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions, improve energy efficiency, promote economic growth, and create or retain jobs.
ARRA provided the EECBG Program with $3.2 billion. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately $2.7 billion of this amount will be awarded through formula grants, and roughly $454 million will also be allocated through competitive grants. The remaining funds will be used to provide technical assistance tools to grantees.
Funding Allocations in Humboldt County
All local governments in Humboldt County fell below the eligibility threshold to directly receive an EECBG grant from the DOE. To receive funds, Humboldt County local government entities needed to work with the California Energy Commission (CEC) to secure funds. The State of California received $314.5 million from the DOE, which was divided into four energy efficiency and renewable energy programs:
On October 8, 2009, the CEC published a series of grant solicitations relating to these programs.
