Federal grant workshop coming to Greeneville

Energy efficiency and renewable energy grants to be covered

 

June 23, 2009 - GREENEVILLE, Tenn.–USDA Rural Development Area Director Charles Brooks today announced a grant workshop to help local companies apply for two types of Rural Development grants will be held Wednesday July 1, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the agency's office located at 214 North College Street, Suite 300 in Greeneville.

 

"Rural Development can help a company pay for things like more energy efficient lighting or heating and air conditioning," said Brooks. "And, we can help companies or famers that are growing or working on growing or developing sources of renewable energy."

 

"The workshop will provide one-on-one help through the application process, which should be especially helpful to someone who has never applied for a federal grant before," Brooks said.

 

The Rural Development energy program provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and small businesses in rural areas. Eligible energy production projects include a wide range of technologies from biomass and anaerobic digesters to geothermal, hydrogen, solar and wind energy. The program also helps most other kinds of businesses or farms to lower its cost of doing businesses by reducing energy consumption.

 

Brooks said, "Space is limited so those interested should call to confirm that their project is eligible and to reserve their seat."

 

USDA Rural Development invests in rural communities through business, community and homeownership programs. Last year Rural Development assisted more than 678,000 Tennessee families and businesses with more than $435 million in financial assistance through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.

 

For more information on Rural Development energy programs and to reserve a seat at the workshop contact the Rural Development Area Office in Greeneville at 423-638-4771 ext. 4, toll free at 800-342-3149 ext. 1490 or visit us online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.

 

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