FREDERICK, MD – Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky joined Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater this afternoon to announce a total of $3,416,190 in grants from the State agency to the County. Funds will be used for a range of projects that support energy conservation, carbon emission reductions, and progress toward the County’s goals for addressing the impacts of climate change.
Grant applications were written by the staff of the Division of Energy and Environment to support projects for government operations and residential initiatives. “My administration is proud to not only help our residents find avenues toward a more sustainable home and lifestyle but also set an example by engaging in long-term clean energy projects at the County level,” County Executive Fitzwater said. “The Moore-Miller Administration and MEA are fantastic partners. I appreciate Director Pinsky’s steadfast support of Frederick County’s energy conservation efforts.”
The County’s plan to transition its fleet to alternative fuel vehicles includes purchasing one of the first electric fire trucks on the East Coast. This is supported by a $262,432 Medium Duty & Heavy Duty ZEV MEA grant. Electric fire trucks reduce emissions, fuel use, and noise pollution. They can be fully recharged in 90 minutes. “This initiative affirms our commitment to environmental sustainability and, more crucially, the health and safety of our first responders,” said Frederick County Fire Chief Tom Coe, Director of the Division of Fire and Rescue Services.
MEA also awarded two grants totaling over $1.8 million to Frederick County for the Power Saver Retrofits Program, which provides low- to moderate-income residents with energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. This innovative program makes sustainability more accessible for all and helps ensure historically underserved populations receive support to improve their home environments, reduce energy consumption, and lower utility bills.
Other MEA grants will help reduce the environmental impact and increase the resiliency of County operations. MEA funding helped purchase the LED lights for Pinecliff, Fountain Rock, Libertytown, and Middletown Parks, and will do the same for the Thurmont library, via $234,835 in funding. A Maryland Smart Energy Communities grant will contribute to purchasing nine electric vehicles and charging equipment. An additional $1 million Resilient Maryland grant will support the construction of a solar energy microgrid to fortify facilities like the 911 Center and IIT Data Center, as well as a community-serving Resilience Hub, ensuring a durable power source during emergencies.
For more information about the innovative programs being led by the Division of Energy andEnvironment to protect the environment while reducing costs, please visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/DEE . To join the community converastion and see future news announcementsabout their work, follow the Division on Facebook or Instagram @SustainableFCMD.