UAPB receives $40,000 in gas rebates
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Summit Utilities Arkansas announced an energy efficiency partnership that led to UAPB receiving nearly $40,000 back in rebates.
In 2023, UAPB installed energy efficient tankless hot water heaters and boilers throughout various buildings across campus. UAPB took advantage of Summit Utilities’ Energy Efficiency Programs, which allows organizations to earn rebates that help offset the cost of energy efficient natural gas equipment upgrades, according to a news release.
“We are pleased to be able to partner with Summit in making UAPB a more energy efficient campus,” said George Cotton, UAPB Vice Chancellor Institutional Advancement. “As an educational leader for the region, we take seriously our role in helping to reduce the impact of our energy footprint on society.”
The project involved the installation of 21 tankless water heaters, for which UAPB secured a rebate incentive totaling $10,500.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“At Summit, our communities come first, and we are glad to assist UAPB with their energy efficient natural gas solutions while guiding the school through our rebate programs,” said Jose Laboy, Summit’s Energy Efficiency manager. “Not only is UAPB getting the energy efficient rebates, but they will also see a significant cost savings on their monthly natural gas bill.”
UAPB also upgraded five high-efficiency heating boilers in the Business and Fine Arts buildings that earned the university a rebate incentive of $28,441. UAPB’s upgrades will reduce its energy consumption by 11,000 CCF of natural gas per year. According to the EPA Greenhouse Gas Calculator, this is equivalent to greenhouse gas emissions avoided by 20.5 tons of waste recycled instead of landfilled. UAPB is dedicated to sustainable initiatives and plans to use the rebates to install more energy efficiency appliances throughout campus, according to the news release.
Agencies to close Washington, Bates day
Several agencies will be closed Monday in observance of George Washington’s Birthday and Daisy Bates Day in Arkansas, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. The day is also called President’s Day, according to almanac.com.
Pine Bluff City Hall and related offices and the Jefferson County Courthouse and related offices will be closed.
State Capitol offices and other state government buildings will be closed. However, the State Capitol will be open to the public from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Southeast group to meet today
The Southeast Panthers Historical Society, a nonprofit and tax-exempt organization, is scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. today at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. Progress and status updates will be provided. All Southeast School alumni are invited to attend, according to a news release. Details: (870) 730-1131.
City Wide Mission canceled
The City Wide Mission meeting set for 1 p.m. Monday has been canceled, according to a spokesman. The meeting was going to be held at New Direction Missionary Baptist Church.
A&P Commission to meet
The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the commission office, 623 S. Main St. Details: Betty Brown, A&P administrative assistant, (870) 534-2121.
Audubon Board to meet
Three Rivers Audubon Board will hold its monthly meeting at 11:45 a.m. March 7 at the Delta Rivers Nature Center classroom. Participants should bring a sack lunch. Visitors are welcome.
The Audubon group also invites people to join them for birdwatching on Tuesdays.
“Come join us in our Tuesday morning fun time. We meet at 9 a.m. at Lake Saracen’s parking lot near the start of the walking trail. We bird by car, occasionally getting out of the cars to see birds. Walkie talkies are used to communicate between cars. We are finished around noon, ” according to a news release.
Arkansas Heritage Grants available
Community-based non-profit groups and others interested in supporting the mission of Arkansas Heritage are encouraged to apply for Arkansas Heritage Grants.
The grants are designed to help groups promote awareness and enjoyment of Arkansas’ heritage; increase community-based non-profit groups’ ability to create heritage related programs, especially in places where they would otherwise not occur; foster cooperative efforts among organizations, businesses and government to increase the size and scope of events; and create ongoing components to existing heritage-related celebrations.
Grants cannot exceed $5,000, and for-profit organizations or events are not eligible. Money must go toward the proposed program, but cannot be used to fund ongoing operating costs, staff salaries or brick-and-mortar infrastructure, according to a news release.
Deadlines for submitting proposals are April 12 and Oct 11. Details: ArkansasHeritage.com or Debra Fithen, grants manager for Arkansas Heritage, at debra.fithen@arkansas.gov.