Light bulb project illuminates stimulus project

When county officials sat down to apply for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds, a light bulb went off - in fact, thousands of them.

The county applied for funding to implement an energy management plan that has been under development for several years.

The result? In one project, the county replaced 8,600 fluorescent lights with high-efficiency, low-energy bulbs.

"It was difficult initially for all of us to get our arms around the requirements, where the (stimulus) funding was, all the rules and regulations for reporting," said Steve Mokrohisky, assistant county manager.

Douglas County Building Services Supervisor Chris Oakden discovered he had a talent for grant writing.

"The first grant we applied for went through without rejection," Oakden said.

"We were looking at ways to save money at the same time we were pursuing the stimulus funds," Oakden said. "Since we changed the lights, we've saved $6,000 in two buildings in two months."

The project also created a temporary job for a furloughed county employee who was rehired to change out the light bulbs.

The grant money also was used to change 190 exterior lights on county buildings.

"One thing they liked about it is that it helps save money in the long run. It will save all the taxpayers' money," he said.

With cash-strapped government agencies all over the country competing for the funds, Douglas County was helped by having an energy-efficiency plan in place.

"The work the county did over the past several years grew and enabled us to know what we have in a quantifiable accounting," Mokrohisky said.

The stimulus funds are to be spent on grants, loans and contracts.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, administered by the Department of Energy, was funded for the first time by the recovery act.

"I think the public expects us to be as efficient as possible in these light times," Mokrohisky said. "By reducing costs, we can help meet the budget."

The county even got a break in the disposal of the old bulbs.

Faced with a $1.25 per bulb hazardous waste charge, Oakden arranged for the bulbs to be sold through the county auction.

Some lucky bidder paid $150 for the entire lot.