Rural Delvelopment Energy Grant Program New Round Now Open - Poultry Producers May Want to Consider Solar and Alternative Heating Systems

The flollowing is information on the USDA Rural Develpment Energy Grant program. A new round is now open for applications.

Applications are being accepted to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements and to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems.

Funding is available in the form of grants and loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Applications are due no later than July 31, 2009.

For additional information, please contact Bruce Weaver, USDA Rural Development Business and Community Program Loan Specialist at 302-857-3629 or at bruce.weaver@de.usda.gov.

Maryland businesses can also call the Maryland Energy Administration and ask for Chris Rice. He can advise you if there are other State grants available for your project. Chris can be reached at (410) 260-7207. Additional assistance can also be provided by the Maryland Agricultural & Resource Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) at (410) 267-6807. Steve McHenry is the MARBIDCO Executive Director and can talk to you about their grant program for energy projects.

Delaware businesses can call the Delaware Energy Office and ask for Scott Lynch or Suzanne Sebastian at (302) 735-3480 and they can discuss the Delaware grant program.

Kathy E. Beisner, Acting State Director Assistant to the State Director and Public Information Coordinator USDA Rural Development, 1221 College Park Drive, Suite 200 Dover, DE 19904 (302) 857-3582 Voice (302) 857-3640 Fax (302) 857-3585 TDD kathy.beisner@de.usda.gov file://www.rurdev.usda.gov/