State gives $17M in energy grants to Wash. schools

OLYMPIA, Wash.

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire says energy grants going to 29 public schools and colleges will save energy and create an estimated 600 jobs.

The grants from the state Department of Commerce will total $17 million and help pay for lighting and heating upgrades, new electrical and hot water systems, and air conditioning improvements.

Another $26 million for the projects is coming from local money, private dollars, debt financing, stimulus dollars from the federal government and incentives from local utilities.