Rural Business-Cooperative Programs...
Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Grants For Nebraska Businesses, Farmers, Irrigators

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

The application deadline for an initial round of 9006 Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency applications in Nebraska is March 1, 2006. Applications are received and considered on an open and continuing basis. Requests submitted by or before March 1st will receive the best opportunity for funding.

Farmers, ranchers, irrigators and rural businesses — in towns of less than 50,000 population — may be eligible for this program.

Grant funds are available for:
Energy Efficiency Improvements — any energy efficiency improvement to the business (HVAC systems, insulation, refrigeration, lighting, irrigation systems, pumping systems, air systems, motor systems, etc.).

Renewable Energy Systems — 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.

Requests for up to 25 percent of project costs must be for a minimum of $1,500 and maximum of $250,000 for energy improvements and a minimum of $2,500 and maximum of $500,000 for renewable projects.

Businesses interested in some energy efficiency improvements to their facilities or renewable energy projects should look at these grant funds.tractor

Farmers and ranchers should also consider this program for renewable or energy efficiency projects for irrigation system energy improvements, methane digesters for livestock waste, grain handling systems, wind turbines, solar systems, biomass systems, etc.

For energy efficiency improvements, have your local or regional utility complete an energy audit. For renewable energy projects, research and identify the project, vendor, costs, feasibility, and technical specifications of the equipment, and then work directly with your specialist for details appropriate for renewable energy technology. Renewable projects over $200,000 require a complete feasibility study. Obtain approximate costs from a vendor for your proposed project.

These grant funds are a good opportunity for farmers, irrigators, and businesses. Contact your USDA Rural Development Specialist!

USDA Rural Development Contacts:
State Energy Coordinators:
Cliff Kumm or Deb Yocum (402) 223-3125

Specialists:
Beatrice-Jan Knobel (402) 223-3125 or 446-7414
Columbus-Dan Laska (402) 564-0506
Ainsworth-Mary Gambill (402) 387-2242
Scottsbluff-Tim Brooks (308) 632-2195
Kearney-Karissa Hagedorn (308) 237-3118

Guaranteed Loans:
Funding for this program is also available through guaranteed loans. Some projects and/or applicants may be eligible for a loan guarantee in lieu of or in combination with a grant. Visit with your Rural Development Specialist regarding your eligibility for guaranteed funding.
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