A large investment from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that is focused on energy projects will help create many new jobs, particularly Nevada construction jobs.

it was recently announced that the U.S. Department of Energy will give Nevada $13,885,600 of a $34,714,000 funding round from the federal economic stimulus. This accounts for 40 percent of Nevada’s total State Energy Program funding authorized under the recovery act.

The first 10 percent of funding was given to the Nevada State Office of Energy to support new staffing and program planning activities. The remaining 50 percent will be released in two phases once required reporting, oversight and accountability measures are met.

The funding will be used for Nevada’s State Energy Plan, which was created by Gov. Jim Gibbons’ Energy Office, and has been approved by the United States Department of Energy.

“This infusion of money will help Nevada invest in our energy future’” Gibbons said. “Virtually every segment of Nevada’s population will benefit by putting people back to work and funding both short-term and long-term investments in Nevada’s energy future, especially renewable energy and energy efficiency/energy conservation projects and programs.”

Throughout Nevada, the funds will be used for a variety of projects and purposes, including implementing energy efficiency measures and renewable energy projects in schools, retro-fitting public buildings to save energy, installing energy efficient traffic signals, and providing funds for a revolving loan program and grants for renewable energy and energy efficiency/energy conservation projects.

Overall, the stimulus funds will support the national State Energy Program. Total funding for this energy efficiency, renewable energy and alternative transportation program nationwide is $3.1 billion.

“This funding will provide an important boost for state economies, help put Americans back to work, and move us toward energy independence,” Steven Chu, Department of Energy secretary, said. “It reflects our commitment to support innovative state and local strategies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy while insisting that taxpayer dollars be spent responsibly.”