| AGRICULTURE AND FOREST LAND OWNERS GRANTS |
|
|
 |
|
|
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (RD) published its request for applications under the Section 9006 (§9006) program on 6 March 2008. Over $15.8 million of grant funds will be awarded via a national competition. Last year, Oregon energy projects received over $1.6 million from this program. The Federal Register notice inviting applications can be found online at:
http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a080306c.html (select the notice under "Rural Business-Cooperative Service")
DEADLINES!
There will be two rounds of §9006 grant competition in 2008. The first-round application deadline is April 15. The second is June 16. (Nearly $8 million will be available in the first round, with the balance awarded in the second round. Awards will probably be announced in June for the first round and September for the second round.)
§9006 loan guarantees are also available from RD on an over-the-counter basis provided applications submitted by June 16.
PROGRAM SUMMARY:
The §9006 program offers grants and/or loan guarantees for the purchase and installation of renewable energy generation and energy efficiency improvements. Assistance is limited to small businesses and farmers & ranchers. Projects must be located in a rural area. §9006 grants and guarantees may be used individually or in combination. Together they may finance up to 50% of a project's cost. Grants can never finance more than 25% of the project or $500,000 (for renewable projects) or $250,000 (for efficiency projects) - whichever is less.
HOW TO PROCEED:
Detailed information on the §9006 program and how to apply is available on RD-Oregon's web site at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/energy.htm
For more information, you may contact RD's Energy Coordinator Don Hollis at 541-278-8049 x129 or don.hollis@or.usda.gov or any of RD's Business Programs staff at www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/bizcontact.htm
|
|
|
|
