Bowling Green will have access to millions of dollars over the next two years from the federal stimulus package.  This money could be used to change the course of the local economy, steering it towards a more sustainable energy future that offers good green jobs. 

Find out how to voice your opinion about the way Bowling Green intends to use this money below.

State Energy Plan

A portion of $50.7 million

The Governor  released an outline of the way that State Energy Plan funds will be used on May 21st.  Click here to read the press release - which also contains a link to the fact sheet and summary of SEP money.  The federal goals for state energy plan (SEP) funds include reducing the environmental impacts of energy use and production and enhancing energy efficiency/renewable energy. There are opportunities in the plan for industries, businesses, institutions, and localities (cities and counties) to apply for money to improve energy efficiency.  As more information becomes available about those opportunities, it will be published on this page.  Bowling Green's has not yet determined whether the city will submit an application to the state for some portion of this money.  If you have an interest in encourage the city to apply for a specific project fundable by this money, contact Alice Burks at (270) 393-3023.

Weatherization

$3.9 million for the area development district

This  money must be used to improve the energy efficiency of rental and owner-occupied housing of families living at 200% of poverty level or below.  This means that a family of four who earns about $42,400 or less qualifies to have their home or apartment improved.

These funds will be given to Community Action of Southern Kentucky for use in Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe and Simpson counties from a state program called the Clean Energy Corps (CEC). 

To apply for assistance, click here and follow the link to email Jim Christian at Community Action Kentucky or call 1-(800)-456-3452 or sign up at the Warren County office, 171 Center Street, (270) 782-4437.

To voice your opinion on how the weatherization dollars can best serve Bowling Green, contact Community Action of Southern Kentucky at (270) 782-4437.  Contact our High Road Organizer, Martin Richards, to get more involved at the state level, as KFTC is a CEC program partner.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant

$585,600

Bowling Green will receive nearly $586,00 directly from the federal government under this block grant and Warren County may apply for more.  The money is supposed to be used for programs that reduce fossil fuel use in sustainable ways, reduce energy use, and improve the energy efficiency of buildings or transportation systems.  The funds may be granted to local non-profit agencies and community groups. 

The City Commission had its first public discussion about how to use this money on May 5th.  Once a plan is written, the commissioners will request public review on it during a June meeting.  Click here to access the Bowling Green City Commissioners website - news about this public hearing will be posted on this site.  The city must submit a plan that details how the money will be spent by June 26th.

If you are not able to attend the meetings and want to voice your opinion about how this money could best serve the Bowling Green area, contact Alice Burks at (270) 393-3023.

Workforce Investment

About $1 million in direct funding regionally and other monies through state programs

These funds are supposed to help train and educate Kentucky's workforce, including youth and those currently unemployed. They can be used to re-tool local communities with the skills needed for a green economy. 

The spending plan for your area workforce investment board - Barren River Workforce Investment Board - has just been posted for public comment on the website!  Voice your opinion about how your community can best use the stimulus funds by calling (270) 781-2381 or by emailing comments on the plan at debbie.mccarty@bradd.org.

The Barren River Workforce Investment Board serves Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe and Simpson counties.