GRANTS - New Mexico State University-Grants will receive $491,557 in federal stimulus funds to renovate the solar system at Martinez Hall and energy conservation measures in the remodeling of the library.

    Governor Bill Richardson announced the award earlier this week as part of the total of $24 million package, which is to be divided among schools, colleges, tribes and other agencies to improve energy efficiency across the state.

    “These innovative projects throughout the state will provide energy savings through such things as installing solar power, energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, and implementing web conferencing technologies,” Richardson said.

    “The investments from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus package) will lead to significant energy conservation, which makes government more efficient and saves tax dollars,” he added.

    The U.S. Department of Energy's State Energy Program is administered by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department's Energy Conservation and Management Division.

The state used a competitive process to choose projects based on the Recovery Act's goals of improving the efficient use of energy in the building, transportation and other sectors. Projects receiving funds encourage sustainable, green building practices, promote energy efficiency, renewable energy use and support existing programs

    College CEO Felicia Casadas said, “This is great news for us on the heels of pending budget cuts.”

In addition to school districts and colleges, funds will be dispersed to the Rio Metro Regional Transit District in Belen and Bernalillo, Jemez Pueblo, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the State Fair Commission, the state's Department of Cultural Affairs, Department of Information Technology, General Services Department and the Department of Transportation.