The Obama administration released on Thursday $27.7 million to Utah and its local governments for "green energy" programs funded by the economic stimulus package. The block grants are designed to help projects that reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions.

"Improving energy efficiency saves money and helps create jobs at a time when unemployment in Utah has topped 5 percent," said Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, who announced the grants. "Putting people to work on projects that help us add options to how we power our communities also helps improve our quality of life."

Among cities and counties receiving money are Salt Lake County, $2.3 million; Salt Lake City, $2.1 million; Sandy, $893,500; St. George, $701,500; Washington County, $257,100; Murray, $209,500; Iron County, $184,700; Lehi, $180,100; Draper, $170,600; and Cottonwood Heights, $145,800.

Utah's State Energy Office will receive $9.5 million.

Local American Indian tribes receiving funding include Navajo Nation (in Utah, Arizona and New Mexico), $6.1 million; Ute Indian Tribe, $117,600; Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, $75,500; and the Ute Mountain Tribe of the Ute Mountain Reservation, $75,000.