–ARRA Act Funding for Recycling and Landfills–
Funding totaling more than $28 million is available for some 27 local governments from the federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program for recycling and landfill gas projects. The State of Tennessee will receive an additional $13.8 million. Communities on the funding list are encouraged to use this money to cover the capital expenses of starting or expanding recycling programs. In some cases, for example, funding may help cover the costs of transition to single stream collection or other efficiency upgrades. Investing in processing equipment is also an excellent potential use of the funds. In addition, communities may spend the money on landfill gas projects. Access to the funding requires development of an Energy Efficiency Strategy approved by DOE which must be submitted at the time of application or within 120 days of award. The application deadline is June 25, 2009.

For more information, including a list of direct distributions for Tennessee, go to: www.eecbg.energy.gov/grantalloc.html.