Oct. 4--Nearly a half million dollars in federal funding to help San Marcos improve energy efficiency, reduce energy use and create green jobs was announced recently by the office of U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett.

"This investment creates jobs in San Marcos that will save our neighbors money through lower utility bills," said Rep. Doggett. "As we continue looking for ways to move our country toward a clean energy future, San Marcos can be a leader with important energy efficient improvements."

About $298,000 will be used for an appliance rebate and incentive program for residents, with a percentage of that set aside for low-income citizens.

Retrofitting city buildings to be more energy efficient will use up about $100,000 and $25,000 will help to finish the city's conservation energy plan, said Mayor Susan Narvaiz.

"This grant will help 150 families replace old appliances with energy efficient models, aid the city in developing a comprehensive energy plan and begin retrofitting city buildings for energy efficiency," Narvaiz said.

The remaining money will be used to cover payroll, taxes and expenses required when hiring a sustainability administrator, who would help the city find and enforce energy efficient programs.

"That person would have to realize enough energy savings to basically pay for his or her own salary," Narvaiz said.

Representatives from San Marcos CISD attended the Hispanic Scholarship Consortium dinner held at the Hyatt Regency in Austin on Sept. 23.

The keynote speaker was Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D. and Chancellor of the University of Texas System.

The proceeds of the dinner sponsored scholarships for Hispanic students pursuing healthcare professions. Representing SMCISD were Goodnight Middle School counselor Clementine Cantu and Miller Middle School Assistant Principal Ricardo Solis, who were guests of San Marcos surgeon Dr. Abel Galaviz.

The Hispanic Scholarship Consortium (HSC) has the major goal of opening doors of opportunity to higher education for Hispanic students.

It is a collective of grassroots organizations across Central Texas that provides financial assistance and mentoring for Hispanic students who want a college education.

According to the group's Web site, "Hispanics are the nation's largest ethnic minority and the fastest-growing population in Texas and the United States.

"However, Hispanics have the highest high school dropout rate and the lowest college graduation rate."

The group "encourages Hispanic students to expect more of themselves--and gives them the tools and resources to do so."

It was founded in fall of 2004 by Dr. David B. Garcia.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.hispanicscholar.org.

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