Kalispell City Council weighs energy efficiency projects at work session

Kalispell City Council debated Monday how best to use an expected influx of federal grant dollars for various energy efficiency improvements.

The municipality stands to receive $75,940 through the federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, which is overseen by the U.S. Department of Energy. In order to secure the dollars, local officials must adopt an energy efficiency strategy and include goals for the city. 

Federal officials have provided municipalities with a set list of suggested goals, according to a memo City Manager Doug Russell prepared ahead of the Nov. 13 work session. Of those, he recommended Council adopt the goal of reducing energy use by 50% by 2050 or sooner.