Florida Green Jobs Get Stimulus Money

Some Florida green jobs will be created as a result of federal stimulus funding.

The State of Florida will receive $168 million in federal stimulus money to help pay for projects that reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency, according to an article by the Jacksonville Business Journal.

The money will come from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. That program was signed into law in 2007 but was not funded until the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law this year.

Of the money the state will receive, 17 counties will get $74 million, 69 cities will get $64 million, two tribal governments will get $243,000 and the governor's Energy Office will get $30 million.

The energy office also will distribute $18 million in sub-grants, with 60 percent of its federal allocation going to smaller cities and counties that aren't eligible for direct formula grants.

“These funds represent a remarkable opportunity to invest in the cheapest, cleanest and fastest energy solution – energy efficiency,” Gov. Charlie Crist said in the article. “I encourage Florida’s local governments to utilize these funds in support of projects that will save tax dollars, strengthen our state’s economy and create jobs.”