News

2009 news releases

OAQDA Approves Funding for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Projects at Three Ohio Correctional Facilities

$3.5 million authorized for retrofits of existing lighting and HVAC systems

(Columbus) Three Lorain County state prisons will receive much needed funding for the installation of new energy efficiency and conservation systems as a result of action taken this month by the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA).  At its July meeting, OAQDA authorized issuance of up to $3.5 million in Air Quality Development Revenue Bonds to assist in the financing costs for the new systems at the Grafton Correctional, Lorain Correctional and North Coast Correctional facilities.

The OAQDA bonds will assist Ameresco, Inc., an energy management and solutions company, and the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, acting on behalf of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, in the installation of the planned retrofits at the three facilities.  These retrofits include installation of new, high-efficiency lighting systems; installation of DDC (direct digital) controls on existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that will shut off equipment during unoccupied hours; and elimination of old steam heating systems in farm buildings, replaced by heat-tracing water piping and small spot heaters.

Expected energy savings amount to more than 2.7 million kilowatt hours and 198,880 therms of natural gas.  (A therm is the energy equivalent of burning 100 cubic feet of natural gas.)   These savings reflect a reduction in 3,694 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.  The three institutions will realize a combined annual savings in utility costs of an estimated $459,233.

“Today’s action by OAQDA underscores our ongoing commitment to assist in the fulfillment of Governor Ted Strickland’s directive to all state agencies to increase energy efficiency and maximize conservation opportunities.  Reducing Ohio’s carbon dioxide emissions is a highly desirable end result of this project, as well,” Mark R. Shanahan, OAQDA Executive Director and the Governor’s Energy Advisor, said. State Senator Sue Morano (D-Lorain), whose district includes the three correctional facilities, praised the OAQDA action, saying, “It is wonderful news that these bonds will be used to make the correctional facilities in the 13th District cleaner, greener and more efficient.  These improvements will save Ohioans precious tax dollars in the long run, and make strides in reducing Ohio’s carbon footprint.”

Senator Morano’s comments were echoed by State Representative Terry Boose (R-Norwalk), whose 58th District also includes Lorain County.  Boose said, “It is exciting to see the good work of OAQDA realized with this project.  Improving energy efficiency in Ohio’s government operations will save taxpayers’ dollars.  I look forward to seeing the results of the project and a continued partnership with OAQDA.” 

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The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) is a non-regulatory government agency created to help Ohio businesses comply with clean air regulations.  Through its Ohio Coal Development Office, OAQDA also oversees the State of Ohio’s coal research, development and technology deployment efforts.  Since its creation in 1970, the Authority has provided technical and financial help to hundreds of large and small Ohio businesses, awarding more than $7 billion to finance air quality projects.  In addition, the OAQDA Executive Director was appointed the Governor’s Energy Advisor in January 2007.  In 2008, OAQDA was named as administering authority for Ohio’s $150 million Advanced Energy Job Stimulus Program.  For more information about OAQDA and its services, please visit its web site, at: www.ohioairquality.org.