County, town net energy grants

The Town of Sparta and Alleghany County received more than $30,000 ($32,920) in grant funds to upgrade lighting in six buildings.

Information from the governor's office reported the total of the local projects is $34,880. According to information provided by the county, lighting energy efficiency upgrades are being requested of 563 fixtures in six different locations. The breakdown includes 20 fixtures in the Chamber of Commerce, 45 fixtures at the Alleghany Senior Center, 78 fixtures in Sparta Town Hall, 88 fixtures at the library and 237 fixtures at the Law Enforcement Center.

The cost paid via the grant include the Chamber at $1,260; the senior center at $2,915; the library, $4,456; the town hall, $4,800; the Alleghany office building, $6,425; and the law enforcement center, $13,064.

The numbers reflect a total of $13,307 in energy savings each year, with a payback period of 2.47 years.

Information provided by the county manager's office read in part, "A formal bidding procedure will be used to solicit contractors to perform the majority of the work. This formal procedure will consist of public newspaper advertisements and specific solicitation to all qualified local electrical contractors…