$23 million in federal funds available for rural renewable energy program

Farmers, ranchers, and other rural businesses have until June 6 to apply through the US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Service for $23 million in new federal grants to help purchase renewable energy systems and to make energy efficiency improvements.

April 21, 2003

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Apr. 21 -- Farmers, ranchers, and other rural businesses have until June 6 to apply through the US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Service for $23 million in new federal grants to help purchase renewable energy systems and to make energy efficiency improvements.

Section 9006 of the 2002 Farm Bill provides financial support for the purchase of energy efficiency and renewable energy systems, including efficient lighting and pumps, wind turbines, solar hot water systems, and anaerobic digesters, said government officials. The grants will be awarded on a competitive basis by USDA and may be used to pay up to 25% of eligible project costs.

Troy Bredenkamp, director of congressional relations for the American Farm Bureau, reported many inquiries as to when these funds would become available. "The American Farm Bureau is pleased to see this vital funding come to fruition, and we will do our part in helping the USDA implement the program," he said.

Information for applications, including program guidelines, requirements, application forms, and key contacts are available through the Internet at www.elpc.org/farmbill.htm