Pinellas County intends to spend $3.7 million in stimulus money on energy efficient projects -- like solar panels and other energy-saving technologies -- that is likely to result in 65 jobs.

The County Commission approved the request to federal officials today, but Commissioner Karen Seel said the number of jobs seems too scant.

"It really doesn't create too many jobs," she said. "I thought that was the purpose."

For example, $150,000  would go to synchronizing traffic lights, which could save motorists $2.5 million a year in fuel, according to a county estimate. Jobs created by that project? One.

However, a U.S. Department of Energy spokeswoman said the general idea fits into the agency's goal of lower energy use, though the department still has to review Pinellas' proposal.

David DeCamp, Times staff writer