Grant helps Green Oak Township glow with eco-lighting

By this summer in Green Oak Township, 99 percent of bulbs that light public buildings will be money-saving, time-saving LED models. The lighting, which Green Oak Township accountant Linda Vance says can last an average of 25 years and cut energy costs 70 percent, will go inside and outside the three fire stations, police station and the municipal offices. The project, which will receive bid proposals at the township board meeting Feb. 1, was kickstarted by a $79,349 Advanced Lighting Technology Demonstration Grant that helps cover the cost of lighting technologies such as LED, induction and plasma. The grant comes from the Michigan Energy Office through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. According to the state, many of the projects result in work or production or other services from Michigan companies. For Green Oak Township, Vance says, it's a savings of tax dollars and a way to save township employees' time on light-bulb changing so that other work can be done. "We want have to change light bulbs for a long time," she says. The lighting must be installed by June 30. Source: Linda Vance, accountant, Green Oak Township Writer: Kim North Shine