New Waterford gets state grant for energy audit

COLUMBUS — The State Controlling Board approved nearly $11,000 today for an effort by one Columbiana County community to cut its energy costs.

New Waterford will use the grant funding to conduct an energy audit of its water and wastewater systems.

The goal, according to documents, is to “have specific guidelines to reduce energy consumption, saving the village and its residents about half on electricity costs. This will help keep monthly water and sewer fees down as electricity is one of the most expensive operating costs for both water and wastewater systems.”

The funding was among 15 projects OK’d for grants or loans totaling nearly $680,000 as part of the Department Services Agency’s Local Government Innovation Fund, which backs projects that promote shared services among local governments.