The city of Robertsdale received a $100,000 grant from the U.S. DOE to replace 120 streetlights with LEDs between Central Baldwin Middle School and Baldwin County 48. The money was provided by the U.S. Department of Energy.

According to Greg Smith, city engineer ,the power cost for one of the fixtures now on the highway is about $120.90 a year. The bulbs last for about 22,000 hours. In contrast, the new LED lights will cost about $39 a year and last for about 50,000 hours, cutting not only power costs, but the time needed for workers to replace bulbs.

Additionally, the program will also provide consistent lighting for travelers along Ala. 59. Over the years, several different types of street lights have been installed on the highway in Robertsdale, Mayor Charles Murphy said.
The city is now requesting submissions for a grant administrator as required by the program. After the submission deadline Friday, the city will choose a consultant and start designing the system, Smith said. He said the lights should be in place by early spring.

The Foley City Council also voted in January to study installing LED lights on Ala. 59.

Mobile and Auburn have also started projects to install LED streetlights.

The grant is administered by Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. The funds are provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.