The following information appeared in a press release issued today by Gov. M. Jodi Rell:

A partnership led by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), a ratepayer fund to promote, develop and invest in clean energy sources, will receive $4.17 million in competitive federal stimulus funds for energy efficiency,  conservation and renewable energy programs in Connecticut.  

The grant was only one of 20 awarded nationwide in this highly competitive national solicitation for towns with populations under 35,000. The governor said the partnership estimates the project will create and retain nearly 400 jobs and save nearly $150 million in energy costs, while leveraging $4.70 for every federal dollar invested. 

"Connecticut has a well-established blueprint for supporting and growing alternative energy industries and CCEF has been a strong partner in that development," Governor Rell said. "These funds will further enhance the strides we have made and that have made Connecticut a leader in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency."    

In addition to CCEF, the partnership is composed of eight public, private, academic and nonprofit organizations and funds whose actions will be implemented by a consortium of 14 rural, suburban and low-income communities throughout Connecticut, each already a Connecticut Clean Energy Community: Bethany, Cheshire, East Haddam, East Hampton, Glastonbury, Lebanon, Mansfield, Portland, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Wethersfield, Wilton and Windham.

For more information on stimulus programs in Connecticut, visit the state's official stimulus Web site at: www.ct.gov and click on the CT Recovery link. For more information on CCEF, click www.ctcleanenergy.com