By JIMMY LAWTON

CANTON -- St. Lawrence County’s finance committee agreed to borrow up to $2.9 million for a energy efficiency improvements at three county buildings at a Monday meeting.

The contract follows an energy audit of the county’s buildings and facilities performed by Wendel Energy Services, Amherst, that was approved by the board in June of 2013. A portion of the audit’s cost was paid for by New York Energy Research and Development Authority grant.

According to the audit, the county will benefit from implementation of an energy performance contract though installation of “energy efficient facility and infrastructure” improvements.

The project includes upgrades to the H.B. Smith Building Roof, the 1993 Court House Roof and windows for the Highways Administration Building. The cost is estimated at $2.85 million.

Wendel guarantees an annual energy savings of $138,224 and a $3.6 million savings over the life of the project, which was estimated at 20 years.

The resolution authorizes Wendel Energy Services to implement the development agreement and retro commissioning services agreement.

Wendel Energy Services has already selected their sub‐contractors to complete the work.

According to the county, Wendel has proceeded with the design phase and has established that the improvements will not exceed $2.9 million. A State Environment Quality Review is not required for the project.