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Jersey City is set to receive $2.33 million for five energy efficiency projects through the federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Program, which is being funded by the federal stimulus package. Jersey City’s take is just a small part of the $75.5 million being allocated to New Jersey municipalities for energy-saving initiatives.

“We have been on the forefront of creating green standards and green municipal practices, so it is therefore fitting that Jersey City should be the recipient of more than $2 million in federal energy efficiency grants,” Mayor Healy says in a statement. “We are grateful to Senator Menendez for his efforts in securing this funding for Jersey City.”

Menendez, whose office announced the grants last week, says the funding will help bring “additional jobs, lower energy consumption and budget savings that can be passed on to taxpayers” to the city.

The projects are as follows:

• Greening the Police Communications Center ($790,148): The communications center will get an energy-efficiency upgrade in its mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) equipment and pavement. In addition, these funds will be used for a green roof and other components.
• Green Revolving Loan Fund ($465,000): The city will set up a loan program to help small businesses with weatherization and retrofitting costs.
• Solar-Powered Trash Cans ($436,138): This money will go to solar-powered trash compactors along the waterfront. The compacting will cut down on the frequency of trash collection trips.
• Citywide Energy Audit ($347,000): The city will assess the energy consumption of public buildings, including City Hall and other city-owned facilities.
• Energy-Efficient Lights Along MLK Boulevard ($291,214): Martin Luther King Boulevard will get 45 new LED street lamps.