Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that USDA is seeking applications from rural small businesses and agricultural producers who want to fund energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems.
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 Las Vegas or Carson City.
For information contact Energy Coordinator Mark Williams at 775-887-1222, Ext. 116.