2008 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program Announced

$36 million in funding available

Farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses have new opportunities to install energy efficiency upgrades and new renewable energy systems, according to Jack Cox, USDA Rural Development State Director, in Utah.

Recently, USDA Rural Development released its NOFA (Notice of Funding Availability) for this year's Section 9006 clean energy grant and loan guarantee program. The program rules are similar to last year's, with a few changes. Congress recently boosted total 2008 funding for this program from $23 million to $36 million in recognition of the value and demand for Section 9006.

For grants, the USDA is making $15.9 million available for 2008. The USDA has established two grant cycles this year, with application deadlines of April 16th and June 16th. 50 percent of the grant funding will be set aside for each cycle. Applications not funded in the first cycle will be reconsidered in the second cycle.

USDA will review and decide applications for loan guarantees on a continuous basis, but must be received by USDA no later than June 16th. Applications for combined loan guarantee-grants will be reviewed bi-weekly and USDA also must receive those applications no later than June 16th. The USDA has provided funding resulting in $205 million in loan guarantees.

Grant applicants have the option to submit applications online from www.grants.gov and submit their application electronically. Loan guarantee applications can only be submitted in paper form. Further information on the program including frequently asked questions, official application forms and templates, checklists, tips, case studies, application instructions and regulations can be found at www.farmenergy.org.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development has invested nearly $91 billion since 2001 for equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. More than 1.7 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments.

Further information on rural programs is available on line at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ut or by visiting a local office, or calling 801-524-4320.