Capitol Briefs 12-4

CAPITOL BRIEFS

Iowa projects land energy funding awards

Gov. Chet Culver on Friday announced more than $9.36 million in federal stimulus awards made by the Office of Energy Independence.

The 62 projects will save Iowans $4.7 million in energy costs annually, provide nearly $33.4 million in matching funds, and create or retain 328 direct jobs, he said.

Projects were awarded in the categories of public sector, private sector, non-profit sector, training and information, innovative projects and technology demonstration.

Examples of awards included $250,000 that will allow the University of Iowa to expand its electric vehicle program and $185,047 that will allow Cedar Falls Utilities to use infrared/thermal imaging for the entire city to identify residential, commercial, and industrial property most in need of energy efficiency assistance.

Holiday meal for state employees still on

An annual holiday meal for state employees will be held Dec. 11, despite the state's tight budget.

The meal, paid for by private donors, is held at the State Capitol. Employees also get a chance to shake hands with Gov. Chet Culver and Lt. Gov. Patty Judge. Department directors serve the lunch, provided by sponsors.

The sponsors this year include pork producers, state employee credit unions and others.

The tradition began under former governor Tom Vilsack's administration. The event also includes a “holiday boutique,” where departments sell wares to benefit a charity of their choice.

No state money is spent on the employee appreciation event, said Culver spokesman Troy Price.

“We know this has been a tough year for state employees, just as it has it has been for every Iowan,” Price said. “The governor and lieutenant governor believe that's why this event is needed to show their thanks and appreciation for all the hard work that they've done this year, and for the hard work that they will continue to do next year.”

More H1N1 deaths reported

Three more H1N1 deaths in Iowa were reported in Iowa Friday, bringing the total to 33.

Deaths were reported of adults in Franklin, Benton and Polk counties. All three of the cases had risk factors that increased the chances of complication from the virus.

So far, more than 650 H1N1-related hospitalizations have been reported in Iowa.

Newton bio-project lands federal funding

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced Friday the selection of an Iowa integrated biorefinery project to receive up to $2.5 million in recovery act funding to accelerate the construction and operation of a pilot scale facility.

Elevance Renewable Sciences of Newton was selected to complete the preliminary engineering design for a future facility producing jet fuel, renewable diesel substitutes, and high-value chemicals from plant oils and poultry fat.

Friday's selection was part of 19 integrated biorefinery projects that will receive up to $564 million in recovery act funding from the Department of Energy. The projects – in 15 states – will validate refining technologies and help lay the foundation for full commercial-scale development of a biomass industry in the United States.

The projects will produce advanced biofuels, biopower, and bioproducts using biomass feedstocks at the pilot, demonstration, and full commercial scale. They are part of an ongoing effort to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, spur the creation of the domestic bio-industry and provide new jobs in many rural areas of the country.