01/10/2019- A nationwide loan program could not only bolster local energy efficiency efforts, but economic development, as well. Marinette County’s Development Committee heard a proposal from John Hochkammer of the Wisconsin Counties Association this week about the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program. Hockhammer says the lending program, which was launched nearly ten years ago, allows commercial property owners to obtain loans for projects tied to energy or water conservation and then repay those loans through future utility savings. There’s no cost to the county to take part in PACE and 34 other counties in Wisconsin have already enrolled. Hochkammer says by revitalizing the building stock through the program, participating regions can in turn lower the cost of doing business and boost the bottom line of local enterpries. Marinette County’s Corporation Counsel Gail Mattison plans to review the proposal and bring her recommendation back to the Development Committee next month.