Published: June 18, 2009 02:20 pm      

Renewable energy grants available

TEMPLE — The 2008 Farm Bill authorized the Section 9007 Rural Energy for America Program to make loan guarantees and grants to agriculture producers and rural small businesses.

Renewable energy systems using wind, solar, renewable biomass, geothermal, ocean, small hydropower or hydrogen sources may be purchased.

Energy efficiency improvements may include retrofitting lighting or insulation, irrigation systems, grain dryers, or purchasing or replacing equipment with more efficient units in existing or new replacement facilities.

Grants to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy are also available. Some key provisions of the program are:

zx Applicants may qualify for a competitive grant, a guaranteed loan, or a combination of both.

zx Grant request must not exceed 25 percent of the eligible project costs. Renewable energy grants can range from $2,500 to $500,000. Energy efficiency grants can range from $1,500 to $250,000.

zx Loan guarantees can be for up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs. Maximum guaranteed loans are $25 million per project.

Projects can qualify for combined grant and loan guarantee, but the grant portion is still subject to the above limits and combined funding assistance cannot exceed 75 percent of total eligible project costs.

zx Projects under $200,000 total project costs qualify for a simplified application process.

zx No renewable energy system or energy efficiency improvement, or portion thereof, can be used for any residential purpose.

Complete applications must be received by the Texas USDA Rural Development Office, 101 South Main, Suite 102, Temple, TX 76501 no later than 4:30 p.m. July 31.

Neither complete nor incomplete applications received after this date and time will be considered, regardless of the postmark on the application.

For information call 254-742-9780 or visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/tx/section_9007.htm.