IID awards classrooms $1.1 million in energy grants
Dillon Fuhrman
IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) has awarded over $1.1 million in grants to 20 schools in the Imperial County.
According to a news release obtained by KYMA, this is part of their Grants for Energy Modernization in Schools (GEMS) program, which launched earlier this year.
IID says the GEMS program are a part of their “commitment to support energy efficiency in education,” with public, private and charter K-12 schools being encouraged to apply for this competitive grant to upgrade their heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, enhancing learning environments, reducing energy consumption, and cutting operational costs.”
“This is an exceptional way to give back to the community that not only supports education, but helps reduce energy demand through the use of energy-efficient equipment,” said IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader. “We are pleased to support schools in creating more comfortable environments for students and educators.”
IID says the grant distribution totals to $1,120,000, with eight applicants receiving $35,000 for single-site projects while 12 applicants will receive $70,000 for multiple qualified sites.
Imperial’s Faith Academy School, who is a $35,000 grant recipient, will use the grant to “replacement of three rooftop air conditioning units, which will better cool all classrooms while reducing energy demand,” according to Cindy Bruce, principal of the K-Eighth Grade school.
“The new units will help the classrooms be more conducive to study, improving the educational process, helping our students concentrate more on their school duties,” Bruce said.
Meanwhile, Central Union High School, who is a $70,000 grant recipient, will use the grant “to replace multiple outdated air conditioning units at four of its school sites, saving on ongoing energy usage,” according to IID.
“Partnering with the IID on this and other projects is a huge benefit to the school district, the students, and our community by maintaining safe and efficient facilities,” said Jeff Sturdevant, Director of Facilities, Maintenance & Grounds. “We look forward to our ongoing partnership with the IID.”
The Imperial County Office of Education (ICOE) also echoed similar statements, with Chief Operations Office Antonion Romayor Jr. saying:
“ICOE is delighted to be a recipient of the Grants for Energy Modernization in Schools. The $70,000 in funding will replace aging HVAC units at multiple Calexico, Brawley, and El Centro school sites. We thank the Imperial Irrigation District for their continued strong partnership and for supporting our students and teachers.”
The $35,000 GEMS grant recipients include the following:
Magnolia Union Elementary School District
Faith Academy School
Westmorland Union Elementary School District
St. Mary’s School
Seeley Union School District
Mulberry Elementary School District
Meadows Union School District
McCabe Union Elementary School District
The 70,000 GEMS grant recipients include the following:
Heber Elementary School District
Brawley Union High School District
San Pasqual Valley Unified School District
Central Union High School District
Calipatria Unified School District
ICOE
Brawley Elementary School District
Holtville Unified School District
Imperial Unified School District
Coachella Valley Unified School District
Calexico Unified School District
El Centro Elementary School District
“Funds will be distributed upon each school’s successful completion of their approved projects,” IID says.