USDA
Announces Availability of $22.8 Million for Renewable Energy Projects,
Notes NCGA (03-30-05)
In an effort
to focus on energy independence and boost rural economic activity,
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this week the
availability of $22.8 million for renewable energy programs and energy
efficiency projects for agriculture producers and rural small businesses.
“USDA projects
that promote renewable energy sources, like ethanol, work hand-in-hand
with the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) efforts
to expand the ethanol industry while creating value-added business
opportunities for corn growers throughout the United States,”
said Bruce Noel, Ethanol Committee vice chairman.
Agriculture Secretary
Mike Johanns said energy efficiency and independence is a key goal
of the administration, noting that renewable energy is an exciting
frontier for American agriculture. “Implementing an innovative
energy policy, which the president has proposed, provides an opportunity
to strengthen both our national security and the rural economy,”
he said.
The $22.8 million
will be made available in two stages, according to USDA. The grants
will support a wide range of technologies including those encompassing
biomass (including anaerobic digesters), geothermal, hydrogen, solar,
and wind energy, as well as energy efficiency improvements. The first
stage of funds, which amounts to $11.4 million, will be available
immediately for competitive grants. Renewable energy grant applications
must be for a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $500,000. Energy
efficiency grant applications may range from $2,500 to $250,000.The
grant request may not exceed 25 percent of the eligible project cost.
Applications must
be submitted to the appropriate USDA Rural Development state office
postmarked no later than June 13.
The second stage
has the remaining $11.4 million set aside through Aug. 31 for renewable
energy and energy efficiency guaranteed loans. Final details on how
to apply for these funds will be published in the Federal Register
later this year. Any funds not obligated under the guaranteed loan
program by Aug. 31 will be reallocated to the competitive grant program
as of that date.
More information
on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office
or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
Last reviewed
March 30 2005