The University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College have been awarded federal economic stimulus funds by the South Carolina Budget and Control Board’s State Energy Office to make energy efficiency improvements.

The University of South Carolina will receive $2,809,219 to make efficiency improvements to energy facilities and install LED lighting fixtures in parking garages. The university will also launch an energy performance web-based education program and implement a solar power demonstration project at the baseball stadium. These improvements will help the university save almost $700,000 annually in utility costs.

Midlands Technical College will receive $234,304 to upgrade lighting fixtures in 18 buildings at its Airport campus. These improvements will help the college save more than $63,000 annually.

 “These stimulus grants will help both institutions work towards greater energy efficiency,” said John Clark, director of the South Carolina Energy Office. “Midlands Technical College will be able to make necessary improvements to its Airport campus, and the University of South Carolina will be able to incorporate education projects along with vital upgrades to its energy facilities.”

The state’s public colleges and universities are receiving a total of $12.2 million, and state agencies are getting $7.4 million for energy efficiency improvements. The state’s 85 school districts are sharing $20.3 million in grants and loans for energy efficiency.