LOCAL GOVERNMENT agencies looking to get the inside track on energy and other “going green” federal and state dollars are invited to attend a free grants workshop to be hosted by Ocean County on Wednesday, February 24.

“A variety of state and federal agencies will be taking part, but I believe most of our municipalities, agencies and boards of education will be most interested in the grants available for alternative energy systems,” said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari.

Vicari, who serves as Chairman of Buildings and Grounds and County Operations and Energy, said he’s already received numerous requests from local officials about how they can update their older energy systems.

“This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the kinds of grants available from the U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies,” Vicari said. “There are millions of dollars available to local governments who want to update to cutting-edge solar and wind energy systems.

Vicari thanked Rep. John Adler, D-NJ, for sponsoring and bringing the daylong seminar to Ocean County.

“Congressman Adler understands that Ocean County is leading the way in cutting emissions and employing alternative energy sources,” Vicari said. “We were the first county in New Jersey to create a comprehensive energy plan and we are already employing solar power in several of our facilities.”

While energy will be at the forefront of the seminar, several other agencies will also be represented. They include: FEMA, The state Board of Public Utilities, U.S. Department of Agriculture, state Department of Transportation, state Department of Environmental Protection, HUD and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The session will be held at the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library and the Toms River Township Municipal Building, both in Downtown Toms River.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in the municipal building, where energy and FEMA symposiums will be held in the morning, Vicari said.

The workshops switch to the library at 11:30 a.m., where the afternoon program will begin with lunch.
Admission is free, but pre-registration is requested. Please call 732-929-2000 to pre-register or for more information