GRAYSON COUNTY, TX - Going green has its benefits, but isn't always the most cost effective option. Now Grayson County could get the money it needs to become more energy efficient with the help of Federal Stimulus dollars.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has allotted $45 million to help counties and cities become more energy efficient. And on Monday Grayson County Commissioners voted to pursue a share of that money in order to meet goals of making the county more energy efficient, which until now didn't have the budget to pursue those projects.

"I think we'll be first in the line because we have shovel ready projects if you will, we're ready to go with this,” said Grayson County Judge Drue Bynum.

Bynum said they're ready to move forward in reaching their goals of energy efficiency.

"So hopefully we'll be able to get some money and it's money that's already been designated for the state of Texas, state of Texas has already designated it for the counties,” said Bynum.

County Commissioners expect to receive about $100 to $150 thousand of federal stimulus money. It will be spent on upgrading facilities and infrastructure to increase energy efficiency.

"I think it's important for all walks of life whether it's private industry or county government or city or whoever it might be to do all they possibly can to become more energy efficient or green in their outlook on things, and trying to save some money,” said Jeff Schneider, County Purchasing Agent.

The county courthouse, occupied since 1936, could use a few improvements such as the old boiler used to heat the entire building. Currently it runs with an energy efficiency rating of about 70 to 75. When replaced, the new one would have an increased rating of about 20% to 30% with a rating of up to 90.

"The money that's spent to become more efficient will pay for itself in dividends through a long period of time not only with greener, more conservative energy usage, but also little by little gets us off our need for fossil fuels,” said Bynum.

Bynum says becoming greener isn't always cost effective, but with help from the state it's now possible.

"It's money that we didn't have to go to the Grayson County tax payer for, so it's exciting from that aspect. It's also exciting because I think this begins a foundation we can build upon for a more conservative more efficient, energy efficient building system here at the county level,” said Bynum

According to the county, saving taxpayer dollars and reducing costs in the long run is something everyone can benefit from.

"It's great to be able to get funds like this to do something good not only for ourselves but the community and the society as a whole,” said Schneider.

Bynum says now that the commissioners decided to move forward on the grant, we could see the money as soon as January, and get projects underway in the spring.