On Monday, federal transportation officials announced that they would be pledging $787 million to update power resources at transit depots across the country.
The money will be dispersed across 48 states along with Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico in an attempt to not only reduce energy consumption at mass transit centers but to create jobs as part of President Barack Obama's American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.
"For millions of Americans, these investments mean that they may more reliably and safely get to work to earn a paycheck or get to daycare to pick up their children on time, or simply have new choices to enjoy the communities in which they live," said Federal Transportation Administrator Peter Ragoff in a press release.
The project includes the allocation of $40 million to the state of Maryland to rebuild the 65 year-old Kirk Division Bus Depot in downtown Baltimore. The new project would feature two brand new energy efficient buildings that will house new, cleaner running buses, as well as reduce operating costs such as electric, water and heating bills.
Another $1.65 million will be given to the Maryland Department of Transportation to make energy efficient upgrades to the Cherry Hill Transportation Hub, providing upgrades like improved weatherstripping measures.
Maryland has seen an influx of new green initiatives, as numerous programs have been enacted or announced that will overhaul commercial and residential development throughout the state. This includes a recent announcement by the Baltimore Convention Center that they will be pledging $10 million to remodel the facilities in an attempt to reduce the centers operating costs.
For Marylanders who want to take advantage of energy efficient practices to lower their energy bills, an energy audit from a home or commercial inspector can help identify measures to lower overall power consumption.