USDA Rural Development Renewable Energy Funding Application Deadlines Announced for Colorado

Lakewood, CO, – USDA Rural Development is seeking applications to increase the production and use of renewable energy from farmers, agricultural producers and owners of rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Grant, guaranteed loan, and combination grant/guaranteed loan application deadlines have been announced for 2010. “The final deadline to receive applications is June 30, 2010, however we encourage applicants not to wait until June 30th to submit their application,” said April Dahlager, Business & Cooperative Programs Director.  “Projects in Colorado can be selected for funding in multiple rounds prior to June 30th,” said Dahlager.  Funding priority will occur based on the following submission dates in Colorado: April 23, June 1, June 18, June 25, and June 30, 2010. Eligible projects include installing renewable energy systems such as wind turbines, solar, geothermal, biomass, anaerobic digesters, hydroelectric, and ocean or hydrogen systems.  Funding may also be used to purchase energy-efficient equipment, add insulation, and improve heating and cooling systems. Contact your local Rural Development Office for more information. USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improving the quality of life of rural residents. Further information on rural programs is available at any of Colorado’s six local USDA Rural Development offices or by visiting the web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/coContact: Amy Mund, 720.544.2906