Buchanan County hopes to lure millions of dollars in federal stimulus money to improve energy efficiency at all county facilities.

Consultants were hired last year to conduct an "energy audit," and a list of potential projects is now in hand. The timing with the federal stimulus package is coincidental, but welcome.

"I think we're fortunate that we've got a program that's ready to go, and hopefully we can tap into some of these sources," said Eastern District Commissioner Dan Hausman.

So far, however, the county's attempts to find money have been a lesson in bureaucracy. The county is working with this area's representatives in Congress, but they'll likely have to go through state agencies to compete for the federal money, Mr. Hausman said.

"At this point we're willing to talk to anyone who knows anything about the money," he said. "You hear about all of it, and this project fits right into what they're saying, but no one knows where to find all the money."

Custom Energy, of Overland Park, Kan., provided estimates for about 27 energy projects, which could cost $7.5 million. Individual projects begin at $588, with "payback" periods of as little as four years, based on utility savings.

The most practical projects are lighting retrofits, with new bulbs, ballasts and shut-off sensors. In all facilities, the lighting would cost about $370,000 and could be repaid based on utility savings in about seven years.

Windows - a project frequently discussed for energy savings - could be sealed or restored at the courthouse for between $13,745 and $2 million, respectively. The payoff periods, however, range from 64 years to 116 years, respectively.

The county has the option of financing the improvements with loans, which would be repaid from utility savings. If the county doesn't proceed with any projects, Custom Energy will receive a $30,000 fee for the audit.

Joe Blumberg can be reached

at joeblumberg@npgco.com.