Contact:  Darlene Schlicher, 741-6336
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(NASHVILLE, TN), June 23, 2010 – State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) and Representative Les Winningham (D-Oneida) announced today that the Oneida Special School District has been awarded $27,840 in grant incentive funds from Tennessee's Energy Efficient Schools Initiative.  The funds will be used to install energy efficient lighting at the Oneida Middle and High Schools.

“This grant is especially needed this year as the cold winter weather put a strain on school budgets to keep up with utility costs,” said Senator Yager.  “The funds will help us be ready for any future needs like this by improving energy efficiency in our schools,” added Rep. Winningham.

The General Assembly passed legislation in 2008 that implemented Tennessee’s Energy Efficient Schools Initiative. The successful program initiated grants that have been awarded to school districts to assist the schools in becoming more energy efficient, resulting lower operating costs and creating a better learning environment for Tennessee students.  The Initiative is also retaining and creating jobs in Tennessee, both in the manufacturing sector in Tennessee as well as equipment vendors, contract labor for equipment installation, local equipment sales, etc. 

For more information about the Energy Efficient Schools Initiative, please visit www.tn.gov/eesi. 

If signed, the bill will take effect January 1, 2011.