-OSCEOLA COUNTY
Three communities will be sharing $10.3 million to help make buildings more energy efficient.
Osceola County will receive more than a quarter of a million dollars to help make the Osceola County Annex Building more energy efficient.
Karen Bluhm is the County Clerk for Osceola. She says the money saved on heating costs could go towards other services for the county.
"Going green is an environmental issue, but for us it's a costly issue and we're losing some of our value for our dollar. So I think we'll save money on those utility costs with this grant money. And if we can save general fund dollars on those costs we can utilize that money for other projects" said Bluhm.
The county hopes to reduce government energy consumption by 20 percent annually.
Bluhm says the funding will help address some energy issues that need much attention.
"I mean we're using window air conditioning, and those are not cost effective in this day and age. Our windows are so outdated. We need to get better windows in that building and that will save a lot in heat. The heat system is working double time with the energy we're losing out of those old windows" said Bluhm.
The other communities receiving funding are Genesee and Wayne counties.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth said more than 145 jobs will be created throughout the three counties.