Dispatch: Ohio Gets Renewable Energy Stimulus Cash

Today was another good day for renewable energy prospects in Ohio. The U.S. Department of Energy announced today that Ohio will receive some $38.4 million in stimulus money for renewable and energy efficient projects throughout the state. "Ohio awarded federal funding for energy-efficiency, renewable energy projects." (6/26).

This brings Ohio's total energy-related stimulus bursar to $96 million; a sizeable sum to invest in energy infrastructure and development for the coming years.

As mentioned in the Dispatch article, the money will be mostly divvied up into four broad categories: 1.) $35 million to invest in and develop renewable energy sources in Ohio; 2.) $30 million will go toward loans for private companies who want to invest in renewable energy projects; 3.) $15 million will go toward grants for manufacturers who want to develop energy-efficient infrastructure and 4.) $8 million will go for retrofitting and weatherizing commercial and residential buildings.

The most important part about the news? The first slice of the stimulus pie, the $38.4 million announced today, could be available in a few days. Considering there is still a bottleneck of funds released months ago, that news is very well received. The truth, though, remains to be seen.