Aurora will join a coalition led by Kane County to apply for federal money for projects designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Aldermen recently voted to join Kane County in applying for a little more than $7 million from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program.
The money would go to projects “that demonstrate a potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the region,” according to Martha Paschke, the city’s Innovation and Strategy director.
Aurora’s application will include funds for photovoltaic solar installations for municipal buildings that have been identified as suitable, as well as electric vehicle, or EV, chargers for public use.
Aurora would also participate with all members of the coalition for group buys that will include residential cold climate air source heat pumps and EV chargers for multi-family buildings.
While Kane County is leading the coalition, it includes Will, DuPage, Kendall and Lake counties. It also includes the municipalities of Batavia, Elgin, Highland Park, Naperville, Waukegan, Downers Grove, Mokena and Wheeling.
Kane County would receive and administer the funds, Paschke said.
The money for the grant program was included in the Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress.
Aldermen voted unanimously to support the grant application.
“Kane County has done a tremendous job putting together a plan,” said Ald. John Laesch, at large. “I support the effort to bring this to the council.”
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