Minneapolis seeks stimulus money for energy projects

The city of Minneapolis has applied for $3.9 million in federal stimulus funds to pay for energy conservation and efficiency projects.

City officials want to use the money to make residential, commercial and municipal buildings more energy efficient. About one fifth of the funds will be made available for commercial buildings, and the city will provide loans for small business owners to help them pay for the work.

Another 20 percent will be up for bid to organizations which make efficiency improvements to homes. And about 50 percent of the funds will be spent to perform energy audits and to pay for improvements to city buildings and park board facilities.

City officials say the work to improve energy efficiency will create jobs, and the city will work with non-profit groups to train people in the construction trades.

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