Energy Efficiency Projects Get Funding Across NC

“Main Street” Energy Projects Approved for Recovery Funding
More than $330,000 in federal Recovery Act funds have been awarded to eight North Carolina “Main Street” communities to help with energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. The grants are the first distribution of money from the North Carolina Energy Program for the state’s Main Street initiative.
“North Carolina continues to use recovery funds for job creation and energy efficiency,” said Gov. Perdue. “These grants will provide service jobs for local businesses and help local communities save money on utility bills.”
The Main Street initiative seeks to boost economic development in small towns, including those in rural areas that have been designated by the N.C. Commerce Department’s Division of Community Assistance. A second round of grants is expected to be awarded during the first quarter of this year.
The North Carolina Energy Office, in partnership with the N.C. Main Street Center, awards grants to eligible local governments and/or nonprofit downtown revitalization organizations for projects totaling no more than $250,000. Grants are awarded to Main Street communities for energy audits and planning and policy work to support long-term sustainable changes for energy efficiency.
Local matching funds must be committed for implementation of grant awards on the basis of a minimum of one non-federal dollar for every one federal dollar from the N.C. State Energy Program Main Street Grant Fund.
Click here for the list of “Main Street” projects approved for funding in the first round.

Holiday Open House at the Executive Mansion and Western Residence

Executive Mansion

Governor Perdue invites the public to visit the Executive Mansion – the People’s House – for a Holiday Open House Dec. 10-13. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the mansion’s beautiful decorations and enjoy holiday entertainment provided by musical and choral groups from across the state.

Schedule
• Thursday, Dec. 10 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Coinciding with the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting)
• Friday, Dec. 11 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 12 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 13 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

No advance reservation is necessary but due to the popularity of this event, visitors should try to arrive at least an hour prior to closing. The Executive Mansion is located at 200 N. Blount Street. For questions regarding the Executive Mansion open house, visitors should call Capitol Area Visitors Services at 919-807-7950 or toll-free at 866-724-8687.

Western Residence

The Western Residence board of directors also invites visitors to the Asheville home to view its holiday decorations Dec. 5-6.

• Saturday, Dec. 5 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 6 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

No advance reservation is necessary. The Governor’s Western Residence is located at 45 Patton Mountain Road. For questions regarding the Western Residence open house, visitors should contact Juleigh Sitton at 828-430-0054.