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Coulee Dam could end up with new, low-energy street lights.

Public works director Barry Peacock told the council last Wednesday that representatives from the state’s Transportation Improvement Board were in town and looking at the town’s current street lights.

He said that Coulee Dam was one of seven small municipalities in the state being considered for a grant for low-energy street lights.

Peacock said there was two level of grants, one for 100 percent of lights and one for 50 percent of lights.

“We should know by the end of the year,” Peacock said.

The energy saving lights “would, over a period of time, save the city a good deal of money,” Peacock stated.

When asked if this included lights on the bridge, Peacock said “no” but it could include the fixtures. The wiring cost would have to be borne by the town, he added.

Coulee Dam has long wanted to replace the bridge lighting, and has asked the state Department of Transportation to do so, but DOT says it is the town’s responsibility.

Peacock said not only would the lights cut the energy costs, but also maintenance. The lights are suppose to have a life of 15 years.