Several new grants meant to implement energy saving initiatives at public schools will help create City of Seattle jobs.

The Washington State Department of Commerce recently announced that it will award $31 million in Jobs Act for Public K-12 and Higher Education grants to 45 public schools throughout the state. The funding will be used to create jobs and implement energy saving measures.

The schools also will receive more than $52 million in non-state funding to cover the $88 million price tag of all the projects. Both Seattle Public Schools and Seattle Central Community College will receive a chunk of the funding.

The construction needed to complete these energy saving initiatives is expected to create about 870 jobs throughout the state.

"This is a great example of Washington state getting our economy moving in the right direction," Gov. Chris Gregoire said. "Communities throughout our state will see these grants pay immediate dividends in jobs and energy savings, and we'll gain long term benefits through quality improvements and cost savings in our public school buildings."

The funding for these projects is coming from the state's 2010 Supplemental Capital Budget, which included $50 million to the DOC for energy cost savings grants. The funding for schools is being awarded through a competitive process and must be used for energy and operational cost savings improvements.

Labels: City of Seattle jobs