New Energy Communities
Program Contact
Program Contact |
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All potential applicants are urged to contact their DOLA field managers by July 18, 2008 to express an interest in the program. Field managers will corrdinate with appropriate GEO field staff to assist local communities in shaping their project proposals. DOLA and GEO anticipate a competitive grant program with a September 19, 2008 application deadline.
Overview
The Department of Local Affairs is partnering with the Governor's Energy Office (GEO) to offer a new program designed to:
- Maximize energy efficiency and conservation;
- Enhance community livability;
- Promote economic development in downtowns; and
- Address climate change by reducing carbon emissions.
"The New Energy Communities Initiative" will reward local governments working collaboratively to position their communities at the forefront of the state's New Energy Economy. The program will direct up to $10 million in Energy Impact Assistance funds to at least five pilot regions (maximum of $2 million per region) striving to create integrated, vibrant and sustainable communities. By bundling existing GEO energy efficiency and conservation programs and offering them in a packaged format with DOLA financial and technical assistance programs, the initiative creates a comprehensive strategy for promoting local sustainable community development efforts.
The program will have three areas of focus:
Greening Public Facilities – Assist county and municipal governments to upgrade, retrofit or develop energy efficient public facilities such as county courthouses, city halls, public works facilities, libraries, judicial facilities and community centers. |
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Greening Downtowns –
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Greening Homes – Provide the necessary technical resources to aid local governments in both educating homeowners on programs to incorporate energy efficient upgrades/retrofits and adopting model building codes to ensure that new housing stock meets higher energy efficiency standards. |
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Application
All potential applicants are urged to contact their DOLA field managers by July 18, 2008 to express an interest in the program. Applications are due by September 19th. The standard Energy Mineral Impact Fund application is provided below.
How to Apply and Other Frequently Asked Questions
New Energy Communities Intiative - Available Program Options
Partners
The Department of Local Affairs is partnering with the Governor's Energy Office (GEO) on this program. GEO's mission is to lead Colorado to a New Energy Economy by advancing energy efficiency and renewable, clean energy resources.
Resources
There are many ways to make your community more energy efficient, including looking at land development patterns, transportation planning, locating affordable and other housing, and more. All of these factors contribute to building sustainable communities.
Below are some resources you may find pertinent and helpful as your community crafts a project application for the NEC Initiative.
Governor's Energy Office (GEO) GEO is the best resource for communities wanting information about energy efficiency issues. Check out their site for program information, publications and links.
Sustainable Community Development Code (Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute)
Healthy Community Design: Success Stories from State and Local Leaders (Active Living Leadership)
10 Steps to a Living Downtown (Brookings Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy)
A Residents' Guide to Creating Safe and Walkable Communities (US Dept. of Transportation)
Bringing Home the Benefits of Energy Efficiency to Low-Income Households (Smart Growth Network)