The federal government has awarded $2.2 million in grants for two construction projects on Maui, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono announced yesterday.

A project for a municipal parking garage in Wailuku is getting $1.2 million for an environmental assessment and final design. The goal is to provide parking that will encourage business development in the area, a statement by Hirono's office said.

The Renewable Energy Resource Center in Kihei will get $1,064,000 in construction funding. Hirono said the center will help diversify Maui's economy by supporting development of renewable-energy businesses designed to use Hawai'i's natural resources. The renewable sources include solar, wind and wave energy, as well as algae and other crops used to generate biofuels.

The money is from the U.S. Department of Commerce and will be distributed through the Economic Development Administration.