The state government has picked four dozen projects that will be getting grants totaling $18 million

The grants announced Wednesday by Gov. Jay Inslee will help pay for reducing energy costs at 12 colleges or universities and 37 local governments.

The governor estimates the grants will generate more than 500 new construction related jobs.

The projects include upgrading lightening, installing water-saving plumbing and purchasing new heating systems.

This is the second round of energy grants paid for by a legislative appropriation totaling more than $38 million.

The grants were awarded through a competitive process. There were 60 applications this round.