Washington, D.C.--Congressman Jim Matheson said today that more than $9 million in funding for the Utah State Energy Office to help communities improve energy efficiency and create jobs is on its way this week.  Matheson supported the federal economic recovery legislation that provides $3.2 billion overall for the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation block grant program.

“The state energy office will be able to distribute the money to local communities who have ‘shovel-ready’ projects that result in energy savings and that boost local employment,” said Matheson.

Matheson said Utah will receive $9,593,500 from DOE.  Activities eligible for the block grant funding include energy audits and building retrofits in the residential and commercial sector, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements.

“Energy savings help with tight municipal, county and state budgets as well as conserve fossil fuels and reduce emissions,” Matheson said.