The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is partnering with the Milford Central School District on a solar energy project that will help the school district save $4,315 per year in energy costs. Milford Central School's solar energy system will generate and supply clean, renewable energy for its PreK-12 building. As part of this installation, the school also will have a meter on display for students and visitors to monitor the electrical output of the system. The project is funded by $273,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) incentives administered by NYSERDA. The 41 kW solar energy system installed on the roof of the school is expected to produce 46,247 kWh or 6% of the building's power needs per year. "All across NYS, federal stimulus funds are helping K-12 schools, hospitals, and local governments lower energy costs and reduce their carbon footprints," said Francis Murray Jr., president and CEO of NYSERDA. "I commend the Milford Central School District for its commitment to reducing energy consumption and protecting the environment. This solar energy project, along with many other energy conservation and clean energy projects funded through ARRA, will help teach our young students about the importance of solar energy and its benefits to our environment and our economy." Peter Livshin, superintendent of the Milford Central School District, said, "As educators we are always looking for learning experiences for our students. The solar project will not only save the Milford Central School District energy dollars but will provide our PreK-12 students an opportunity to learn/measure the effects of solar energy on the building. Our Math and Science teachers will make effective use of this hands-on learning environment." Milford Central School District's solar energy project is one of three energy conservation and renewable energy projects in Otsego County totaling $795,000 in federal ARRA support. These funds will help health care and educational institutions reduce annual energy costs by nearly $400,000 annually. They will also support an energy conservation study that will help identify additional projects where greater energy efficiencies and cost-savings can be achieved. In addition to the Milford Central School District project, Otsego County energy projects that received Recovery Act funds include: * Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, $510,000 to install energy-efficient lighting and other efficiency measures * Unatego Central School District, $11,000 for an energy conservation study The twenty-fourth congressional district, which encompasses Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Oneida and areas of Broome, Ontario, Otsego, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins Counties has been awarded $4.1 million in ARRA funds for 25 energy conservation studies and 23 energy conservation and renewable energy projects. Combined, these projects will reduce the energy cost burden by $722,000 per year. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance energy solutions in New York since 1975.