Fayetteville Today

The City of Fayetteville has received a $245,040 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. Additionally, the Department of Energy has approved the placement of a fully-funded EECBG Community Energy Fellow to support Fayetteville’s planning efforts.

This funding, facilitated by the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to develop a comprehensive energy efficiency and conservation strategy to enhance sustainability efforts in the region.

The primary objective is to unite various community entities, including local governments, public utilities, educational institutions, and Fort Liberty, in advancing sustainability efforts collaboratively.

"This grant represents a significant step forward in our commitment to building a sustainable future for Fayetteville," said Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin. "By collaborating with various stakeholders, we can create a cohesive and effective strategy that not only addresses current energy challenges but also sets the foundation for long-term sustainability and resilience."

Fayetteville will engage a technical consultant to develop an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS). This plan will include actionable insights and measurable targets focused on renewable and alternative energy sources, energy efficiency measures, and broader sustainability initiatives. Community engagement is key, aligning closely with the needs of Fayetteville and its regional partners.

The strategy will focus on infrastructure enhancements such as green upgrades to public spaces and investments in electric vehicle infrastructure. These efforts aim to position the region as a leader in sustainable energy practices by combining environmental stewardship with economic growth.

Overall, this project marks an essential step towards integrating environmental sustainability with economic prosperity, setting a standard for other regions.

The EECBG Program is designed to help states, territories, local governments, and tribes improve energy efficiency, cut fossil fuel emissions, and reduce energy use. Fayetteville is one of more than 2,700 communities nationwide receiving part of the $430 million allocated through this program. Communities with strong proposals like Fayetteville have also been selected for the Community Energy Fellow program.

The City of Fayetteville will work closely with technical consultants alongside community partners to develop and implement the EECS. This collaborative effort aims to meet diverse community needs while maximizing program benefits for all residents.

For more information about the EECBG Program or to follow Fayetteville's progress on this initiative, visit fayettevillenc.gov or the U.S. Department of Energy's EECBG Program page.