GE to partner with St. Lucie on 'Green Mile' project

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - St. Lucie County's government and business leaders today celebrated a new partnership with General Electric on the county's "Green Mile" project.

The project, announced earlier this year, will create an experimental corridor aimed at testing and installing new energy-saving technology.  St. Lucie has already announced a partnership with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee to do "real-world" testing of its new projects.

And now GE has added its support to the project, providing cost-effective appliances and technology to St. Lucie County residents and businesses.

St. Lucie County spokesperson Erick Gill said GE has embarked on a similar project in Portland, Oregon.

St. Lucie County has designated a square mile region from downtown Ft. Pierce westward as the testing ground for the "Green Mile." 

St. Lucie received a $2.9 million grant from the Department of Energy that will provide loans to residents and businesses that choose to convert to solar.  A consortium of banks has also pledged $20 million toward the project.  St. Lucie County commissioner Doug Coward has said he expects the loan process should be in full swing by mid-2011.

GE vice president of governmental affairs Kevin Decker says the company will provide loans, training and equipment to help families and businesses in St. Lucie make the move to “green” renewable technologies, whether it’s solar panels, energy efficient appliances, or upgrades to their homes.

For people looking to convert to solar power and hoping to take advantage of St. Lucie County’s loan program, Commissioner Doug Coward says the loans should be available in the next month or two. There is a waiting list. If you’re interested, contact St. Lucie County at: 772-462-1400.