Applications are being sought by the USDA from rural small businesses and agriculture producers looking to make energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy installations, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Monday. Up to $12.3 million in grants and $57.8 million in loan guarantees are available nationwide.
Eligible projects include installing renewable energy systems such as solar, wind turbines, geothermal, biomass, anaerobic digesters, hydroelectric or hydrogen systems. Funding may also be used to purchase energy-efficient equipment, add insulation, and improve heating and cooling systems. The grant can cover up to 25 percent of total project costs.
The deadline to apply for renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grants and combination loan/grants is July 7, 2014. Guaranteed loan applications are accepted on a continuous basis; for this cycle they will be accepted up to July 31, 2014.
Applications can be submitted online through grants.gov, or turned in by 4:30 p.m. on the deadline listed above to a Rural Development Office in Carson City.
For more information contact Energy Coordinator Mark Williams, at (775) 887-1222, Ext. 116.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $199 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.