Presently, a solicitation is available from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Florida Small Community Energy Efficient Lighting Grant Program. The purpose of this grant program is to assist eligible small local government entities in the State of Florida (local municipalities with a population of up to 50,000); in reducing their total energy use, increase energy efficiency, reduce energy costs through the replacement of inefficient lighting with energy efficient lighting, and evaluate actual energy savings received as a result of the project. Projects must be completed by May 31, 2019.

The Town intends to apply for monies for an LED retrofit of sports field lighting of two fields at Royal Oaks Park. The park's present lighting system is over thirteen years old uses a metal halide lighting system that has an estimated $38,000 annual electrical cost. Retrofitting the complete sports field lighting system at the park to LED technology would generate a projected annual savings of $24,000 with a $14,000 annual electrical cost. The proposed project for two fields would generate a projected savings of $12,000 annually which would allow the Town to recover its grant matching dollars in two to three years.

Retrofitting the Town's existing lighting infrastructure to more energy efficient lighting is one of the Town's strategic plan initiatives to reach the goal of achieving universal environmental sustainability in public and private environments, operations and infrastructure. The grant application must include a Resolution from the Town Council in support of the application.

Under the solicitation, the maximum grant project amount is not to exceed $250,000 with a minimum of a 10% match of $25,000. The Town intends to pursue the maximum grant amount for this project and fund the match from the Parks Capital Fund.