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Kaine: Energy grants available
Kaine announces school bondsDate published: 10/15/2009 BY CHELYEN DAVIS Gov. Tim Kaine used a stop at Battlefield Middle School to announce new stimulus grants for schools to improve energy efficiency. Kaine said the state will have $119 million in bonds to finance energy-efficiency improvements and renovations in schools, as well as renewable-energy projects. Kaine said that if schools can save energy costs, that money can be directed toward the classroom. He chose Battlefield Middle to make the announcement because the school had previously applied for a grant to redo a 28-year-old heating and air system. The school is 31 years old. "I wanted to come back to this school because you had a good proposal," Kaine said, speaking to a sixth-grade science class. "This is exactly the kind of project we're going to be focused on this next round." The school didn't get that earlier grant, but Spotsylvania Schools Director of Public Information Sara Branner said the district plans to reapply for that project and several others. "It's on the top of our list to do now that he's made this announcement," Branner said. Bond applications are due in November, and Kaine said the state hopes to start awarding the money by mid-December. He told reporters afterward that many local school districts would love to make schools more energy efficient, but can't afford the whole cost of such projects on their own. The stimulus bonds can help them, he said, by paying part of the cost. New construction projects aren't eligible for the money, but renewable-energy projects, such as installing solar panels, on-site wind-power systems, more efficient lighting, better insulation and windows and more, are. Kaine took questions from the students, who had several questions about energy, such as how much wind power systems cost to install, how much solar-powered systems would cost, and whether Kaine conserves water in the governor's mansion. Not much, Kaine answered the last question, because the mansion is so old, but he said he and his family recycle and use energy-saving light bulbs and do other things to conserve. The pupils also asked if being governor is dangerous. Not really, Kaine said, explaining that his security detail exists partly to help him in case he's out of the office and needs to get in contact quickly to make a big decision. They wanted to know if he gets time to have fun with his family. Kaine said he hates missing his kids' events, but does get to take them to interesting events, such as having dinner with Tom Hanks. One student asked about Kaine's hardest decision--he said it's decisions about clemency petitions from death-row inmates--and another asked what his favorite thing is about the job. "People treat you so well," Kaine answered. "Not everybody likes everything you do but people have been very kind to me and my family." Chelyen Davis: 540/368-5028
Date published: 10/15/2009
Because
(posted by
LastManStanding
, Oct. 15, 2009 10:42 am)
Because he's highlighting a school that would benefit from the program.
Duh,,,
????
(posted by
Wilderness
, Oct. 15, 2009 7:48 am)
So why didn't Kaine make the visit to Spotsylvania Career & Technical Center, which already has a working wind powered generator, to make this announcement?
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