Merriam Receives $522,000 State Grant to Help Reduce Carbon Footprint

Published on December 20, 2023

The City of Merriam plans to update an estimated 905 streetlights with LED lightbulbs thanks to a $522,870 sustainability grant from the State of Kansas.

The grant money comes from the Carbon Reduction Program, funded through the Federal Highway Administration. The City will add $130,720 to balance the project cost.

The LED Streetlights Project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with Public Works staff retrofitting the 905 streetlights with LED retro kits, which include new wiring, bulbs, and metal plates as needed.

Merriam Public Works Director Celia Kumke said switching to LED lighting will cut carbon emissions from streetlights by 65%.

“We’re really excited to receive federal funding for retrofitting our streetlights with LEDs,” Kumke said. “LED streetlights are very energy-efficient, and they significantly reduce energy consumption and costs. They last two to five times longer than traditional lighting and require less maintenance, which reduces our operating costs.”

City staff submitted the grant application in May and found it received the half-million-dollar award earlier this month.