Livonia, Trenton using grants to convert to eco-friendly lighting

The cities of Livonia and Trenton are installing new energy-efficient lighting that is expected to eventually save money and maintenance. In Livonia, 66 lights, including streetlights, wall-mounted lights on city buildings, lights in the municipal parking structure and garage and city carports will have their traditional light bulbs replaced, says Todd Zilincik, division head of engineering for Livonia's Department of Public Works. Corby Energy Services, based in Belleville, is completing the project, and work should begin Feb. 10. The cities' updated lighting projects were made possible by Advanced Lighting Technology Demonstration Grants, which  helps cover the cost of lighting technologies such as LED, induction and plasma. The grant comes from the Michigan Energy Office through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Livonia received $82,125 and Trenton received $75,410. The cities pay for 10 percent of the materials and the installation costs, Zilincik says. The projects must be completed, as required by the grant, by June 30. According to the state, many of the projects result in work or production or other services from Michigan companies. Sources: Todd Zilincik, division head of engineering, Livonia Department of Public Works and Michael Shore, spokesman, State of Michigan Writer: Kim North Shine