Energy Grants Available for Neb. Businesses, Farmers, and Irrigators

USDA Rural Development has announced it anticipates funding of approximately $22 million under the USDA 9006 energy program to be available for renewable and energy efficiency projects for Nebraska businesses and farmers.

Businesses interested in energy efficiency improvements to their facilities or renewable energy projects should look at these grant funds. Farmers and ranchers should also consider this program for renewable or energy efficiency projects.

The application deadline is March 1, 2006. Applications are received and considered on an open and continuing basis. Requests submitted by or before March 1 will receive the best opportunity for funding.

Grant funds are available for any energy efficiency improvement to the business (HVAC systems, insulation, refrigeration, lighting, irrigation systems, pumping systems, air systems, motor systems, etc.) and for systems providing energy derived from wind, solar, biomass, biogas, or geothermal source or hydrogen derived from biomass or water using wind, solar, or geothermal energy sources.

Those interested should apply now. Contact State Energy Coordinators Cliff Kumm or Deb Yocum, 402.223.3125; or in Beatrice, Jan Knobel, 402.223.3125 or 446.7414; in Columbus, Dan Laska, 402.564.0506; in Ainsworth, Mary Gambill, 402.387.2242; in Scottsbluff, Tim Brooks, 308.632.2195; or in Kearney, Karissa Hagedorn, 308.237.3118. For more information, check their website, http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/index.html .