Oakdale, NY – On Tuesday, Rep. Steve Israel (NY-2) joined Chief Kelly Barnes of the West Sayville Fire Department and Commissioner Tom McNamara, chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, to announce a grant for the West Sayville-Oakdale Fire District to expand their first-in-the-state solar panel system. The grant, funded by the federal Recovery Act through the NY State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), will provide for a 10 kW photovoltaic system, which will yield an estimated annual savings of $2,000.

“The West Sayville-Oakdale Fire District is committed to reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and reducing costs for the local community. This grant funded by the Recovery Act will build on their success with a solar power and displace 20,000 gallons of oil. I’m grateful to the fire district for their advanced energy leadership and to NYSERDA for working with them on this innovative, cost-saving project,” said Rep. Israel.

Francis J. Murray, President and CEO of NYSERDA, said, “All across New York, the federal stimulus program is providing critical funding to help local governments implement sustainable energy and energy conservation projects that will lower their energy costs and reduce the pressure on property taxes.  I commend the leaders of the West Sayville-Oakdale Fire District for their commitment to making renewable energy an integral part of the fire district’s future, and thank Congressman Israel for his diligent efforts to ensure that projects like this could be funded.  I also am grateful to President Obama and our entire Congressional delegation for their work to secure these critical funds that promote economic recovery, energy independence and strong environmental stewardship.”

“By taking advantage of the sun the fire district will again reduce its dependency on fossil fuel generated electricity and realize even greater cost savings in its monthly electric bills. The resulting ‘savings’ will allow the District to continue providing excellent emergency services to the communities of Oakdale and West Sayville at no additional property tax implications to the local residents. We salute the congressman for his efforts in the energy arena as well as being a supporter of the nation’s emergency service responders,” said Commissioner Tom McNamara, chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners.

The $78,850 grant was one of 118 project selected through a competitive process by the State Energy Program, which awarded $40 million in grants across New York State as part of the program’s second round of Recovery Act supported awards. The energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean fleet projects will reduce energy and operating costs by $13.5 million annually and fully return the initial investment in just under 7 years.

Rep. Israel serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water and as the Co-Chairman of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition. He worked to ensure that the Recovery Act included funding for cost-saving and job-creating clean technology programs and tax incentives.