Danville and Pittsylvania County public schools could see an additional $2.7 million for renovations in their combined budgets in 2010, thanks to a green schools bill making its way through Congress.
The House of Representatives voted last week in favor of H.R. 2187, or the “21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act,” which will make investments to modernize, upgrade and repair school facilities across the country, according to a House news release.
If passed, the bill will provide more than $6 billion nationwide, with nearly $12 million for the 5th District.
Of the 22 cities and counties in the district, Danville Public Schools is estimated to get the largest portion with $1.75 million. Next is Henry County with $1.24 million, followed by Pittsylvania County with $949,000.
The estimates come from the Congressional Research Service, which takes a variety of factors into account for its funding formulas.
“Clean energy investments are win-win scenarios,” Rep. Tom Perriello said in a statement. “This bill saves money for our schools, creates clean energy jobs and boosts student achievement by upgrading our school buildings and giving students and teachers a safe, environmentally-friendly learning environment.”
The bill would require school districts to publicly report the educational, energy and environmental benefits of projects, how they comply with green building requirements and the percentage of funds used for projects at low-income, rural and charter schools.
Pittsylvania County Schools Superintendent James McDaniel had not heard of the bill, but noted that PCS already participates in performance contracting, which identifies and manages energy-saving opportunities.
“We’ve already established protocol within schools to look at how we’re saving energy and funds through alternative lighting and computer-controlled heat,” McDaniel said. “We’re already trying to make sure we’re doing things that would be supportive of the environment.”
As far as specific projects that could fall under the bill, McDaniel said he would have to look at the bill before determining what kinds of initiatives could be put into place with the grant money.
Danville Public Schools Superintendent Sue Davis could not be reached for comment.
According to the House of Representatives news release, the grants would also boost the economy by “injecting demand into the marketplace, improving communities and creating jobs” through direct federal investment in school construction and renovation.
The funding could support as many as 136,000 new jobs nationwide, according to calculations by the Economic Policy Institute.
The Bill
H.R. 2187: the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act
Estimated grant money:
- Danville City: $1.754 million
- Henry County: $1.242 million
- Pittsylvania County: $949,000
Quick facts
- A green school uses 30 percent less energy and 30 percent less water than a conventional school.
- Green schools reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent.
- In the short term, green schools have an average savings of $96,760 per year.
- Analyses of this legislation estimate that this bill would support 136,000 new jobs.
Source: U.S. House of Representatives
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