by Marissa Lucas

What would you do with $500,000? For one person, the possibilities are endless. But for the towns of Kittery, Eliot, York and South Berwick, the possibilities are uniquely green and open to all. 

The towns -- refered to as the KEYS-area Energy Committee -- were recently awarded a $500,000 federal grant for energy efficiency efforts within the four communities. In an effort to inform citizens about opportunities available for their homes and businesses, on April 24th the Kittery Energy Committee will be hosting an Earth Day expo at Autoworks in downtown Kittery.

Portions of the grant will be available to community members interested in greening their homes while simultaneously stimulating the economy, and would include projects designed to weatherize homes and businesses, install solar systems, or participate in education and training programs. Speakers at the Earth Day expo will be available to discuss these and many other aspects of the grant, as well as additional topics including the revolving loan fund, structure of the prospective loans, the ease and advantage of energy audits, and green practices for the home or office.

The Kittery Energy Advisory Committee will host the event in partnership with the Spruce Creek Association and the Kittery Land Trust Local green businesses will also be in attendence, presenting information about green and energy saving products and ideas. Those interested in a new compost bin or rain barrel or compact fluorescent light bulbs are also encouraged to attend. 

Weather permitting this event will be outside. Because it is spring and the weather is slightly unpredictable there will be space available inside as well.

Additional participants are welcome. The Kittery Energy Advisory Committee would need to know by April 13th to allow for final planning. Individuals should provide their own table for the event. There is no participation cost.

If you are interested in participating in this expo or any additional information please contact Nancy at nanef@comcast.net.