Arkansas News Bureau

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas is to receive nearly $9.6 million in federal stimulus money to develop programs that promote energy efficiency and conservation, U.S. Department of Energy announced today.

Arkansas’ funding is part of $354 million awarded to 22 states, Energy Secretary Steven Chu said.

Arkansas is to use the funding to provide technical assistance to state industries, public institutions and local governments to enhance energy efficiency and identify opportunities for job creation or to retain jobs statewide, the Energy Department said.

At least 60 percent of the funding is to be distributed to cities and counties not eligible for direct funding from the agency.

“This funding will allow states across the country to make major investments in energy solutions that will strengthen America’s economy and create jobs at the local level,” Chu said in a news release.

States, under the Department of Energy’s Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, are to implement programs that lower energy use, reduce carbon pollution and create green jobs locally.