The federal stimulus package contains a fantastic opportunity for downtown property owners interested in increasing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (And with this weather, who isn't thinking about this?)
It's a two-step process and although it's a detailed program, here are the basics:
1) Energy Audit
An audit is conducted of the building to determine any problems. The federal government pays for approximately 75% of the audit, the City of Columbia pays 12.5% and the property owner only pays 12.5%.
2) Retrofitting
Projects are ranked based on their return on investment. For retrofitting, the federal government will pay 25% of the costs. In addition, the City of Columbia offers rebates on HVAC and lighting upgrades, further reducing the cost to the property owner.
Again, it's a detailed program and this is a rough overview but either way, it's a sweetheart deal.
The City must apply for the grant and to do so, they need 10 property owners to sign a letter of support for the audit phase of the program by this Tuesday.
We're asking for property owners to sign letters of support for the City's grant application. Agreeing to the audit phase of the program does not obligate you to move forward with the retrofitting but we do recommend taking advantage of this great program should we be awarded the grant.
Below is a link to a sample letter that can be faxed to 499-0421 or emailed to cgartner@socket.net. Again, the deadline for letters is tomorrow by 5 pm.
If you have any questions, give us a call at 442-6816.
Download the letter...
