The Senate Finance Committee approved four government applications for federal grants totaling $569,216 Tuesday that would go to the V.I. Energy Office and the Environmental Protection Division of the Planning and Natural Resources Department.
The largest grant application, for $462,145, would fund educational initiatives associated with renewable energy technology and energy efficiency, using money from the U.S. Department of Energy and Exxon Corp.
The Department of Energy has established rebate programs that compensate individuals and businesses investing in energy-efficient products such as solar water heaters and certain major appliances or energy-efficient services. A list of participating dealers can be obtained from the V.I. Energy Office, which certifies them as participating vendors.
Customers buying the designated products or services can submit the receipt to obtain a cash rebate from the Energy Office.
A grant application for $32,500 is to conduct feasibility studies in federal buildings to determine the best way to make them more energy efficient. Workshops would be held to train federal personnel in reducing the consumption of energy and water.
According to Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean Plaskett, "A significant portion of the government does not adhere to Energy Department mandates."
A grant application for $59,871 is to assist PNR in administering federal air-quality programs. The objectives for this "ambient air monitoring network" grant are to support surveys on air quality, acid deposition, drinking water, water quality, hazardous waste, toxic substances and pesticides; to identify, develop and demonstrate necessary pollution control techniques; and to evaluate strategies for use by those in economic, social, governmental and environmental management positions.
Finance Committee Chair Lorraine L. Berry directed special attention to the fourth grant application, for a Data Reliability Grant of $14,700. The funds would go to support PNR's Safe Drinking Water Program. Berry noted the water contamination at the Joseph Sibilly School and its Monroe Annex and asked that the problem be investigated.
At the committee meeting, Berry also brought up the issue of installing a teleconference center at the Legislature Building, a project under discussion for two years. She said the facility would be cost saving and would allow inter-island government meetings regardless of weather conditions.
The quorum present for the meeting comprised Sens. Berry, V. Anne Golden, David Jones and Roosevelt David.
Sen. Donald "Ducks" Cole, a non-committee member, sat in on the session. He raised two concerns with Plaskett -– the contrast in gasoline prices between St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix, and the need for lighting at the Charlotte Amalie and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School ballfields. Plaskett said he would have to see if these matters could be addressed by the federal Energy Department.
