MIDDLETOWN – Middletown Township is gearing up accept a $610,000 federal grant offered to Middletown to enhance local energy conservation efforts, improve the community’s energy efficiency, and reduce fossil fuels emissions.

The formula grant is provided by the Energy Efficient and Conservation Block Grant Program and funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Middletown is eligible to accept the 16th largest grant among 65 eligible municipalities in New Jersey. Grant awards are based upon population and energy usage.

“This grant will be a welcome opportunity to further cost-saving objectives outlined Middletown’s Green Initiative and to help stimulate the economy,” said Mayor Pamela M. Brightbill. “Township staff is already discussing activities eligible under the grant’s guidelines such as energy audits, incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy installations on government buildings, and transportation programs that promote energy conservation,” said Mayor Pamela M. Brightbill.
“Township staff including our administrator, planner, and engineer are also examining the feasibility of joint eco-friendly programs that could be implemented in partnership with other entities slated to receive their own federal grant award,” she said.

“The next steps include formal acceptance of the grant and development of an Energy Efficiency and Economic Strategy that outlines green activities Middletown would fund with the grant award,” said Township Administrator Anthony Mercantante. He noted the Township Committee is expected to formally discuss the grant at the May 4 workshop meeting.