04-06-2007
Grant Writing Help Available for Rural Renewable Energy Projects

Susan Kohnen
Rural Development 715-345-7600
Linda Barth
PSC 608-267-0912

MADISON - If you are interested in applying for federal funds for rural renewable energy or energy efficiency projects, grant writing and other help is available. Last month the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency loan and grant program announced the availability of $11.4 million in grants and $176.5 million in loan guarantees. The notice of funding availability and application guidelines were published in the Federal Register on March 22.

With the first deadline just weeks away, three agencies stand by ready to help with the application process: the Wisconsin Rural Development Office in Stevens Point; Focus on Energy; and the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

"This year we are putting more emphasis on improvements that reduce energy consumption," said Frank Frassetto, state director of Wisconsin Rural Development. "In the past, Wisconsin business owners and farmers have been very successful in competing for these national funds. More than 50 projects have received more than $10 million since 2003."

Frassetto said federal/state partnerships are essential to the state's role as a leader in the nation's emerging renewable energy industry.

"Developing renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency are high priorities for Governor Doyle," said Secretary Rod Nilsestuen, DATCP. "Winning funding for rural renewable energy projects will help us meet the Governor's challenge to provide 25 percent of the state's energy from renewables by 2025."

According to Dan Ebert, chairperson of the state's Public Service Commission, USDA funding has enabled Wisconsin's small businesses and farms to implement renewable energy projects that have resulted in real energy savings. "Energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy projects that rural Wisconsin continues to take on will play a key role in helping meet Wisconsin's energy independence goals," he said.

Ebert said Focus on Energy can provide general assistance for grant applicants; trouble shoot issues; provide background and lessons learned from previous grants; provide a support letter confirming the environmental benefits of the project as well as other assistance. The Focus on Energy contact is Larry Krom at 888-476-9534. For energy efficiency applications contact Richard Hasselman at 608-273-0182.

Depending on the type of project, Nilsestuen said DATCP can provide assistance ranging from financial help with business feasibility studies to business plans. A publication on where to go for business assistance in Wisconsin is also available. The DATCP contact is Carl Rainey at 608- 224-5139.

Frassetto said Rural Development can help applicants go through the process; explain the forms; explain what information is needed to increase the applicant's possibility to receive funding. Rural Development will also assist with determining eligibility of applicants as well as the eligibility of the technology they would like to install. The Rural Development contact is Kelley Oehler 715-345-7610.

Wisconsin leads the nation in the construction of anaerobic digesters, thanks in large part to the federal grant program. The program has also supported installation of a variety of renewable systems, ranging from wind and solar to biomass and has also been used in Wisconsin for efficiency upgrades such as energy efficient lighting, insulation blankets for green houses, and upgrades to more efficient burners to heat-treat metal.

The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency loan and grant program was established under Section 9006 of the 2002 Farm Bill. Applications for grants must be completed and submitted to the USDA Rural Development State Office at 4949 Kirschling Court, Stevens Point WI 54481, postmarked no later than May 18. The deadline for submitting loan applications as well as for loan and grant combinations is July 2. More information is available in the March 22 Federal Register or by contacting the Rural Development State Office at 715-345-7610.

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