Grants, Funding Opportunities & Incentives

2012 Funding Announced for the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) On Jan. 20, USDA released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) in the amount of $25.4M for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program assists agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems to make energy efficiency improvements. The program will fund energy feasibility assessments or studies. Eligible members can use these funds to make improvements to their facilities as well as install retail pumps and related infrastructure. There are multiple deadlines for applications and locations where documents are to be submitted depending on whether you are applying for a guaranteed loan, grant or combination of the two. Renewable energy systems and for energy efficiency improvement grants and combination grant and loan applications due on 3/30/12. Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan only applications accepted on a continuous basis up to June 29, 2012. Renewable energy system feasibility study applications due on 3/30/12. Energy audits and renewable energy development assistance applications due on 2/21/2012. Funding is apportioned by State. Application documents can be obtained from your Rural Development Energy Coordinator or from www.Grants.gov. For a list of coordinators, go to: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_Energy_CoordinatorList.html. The funding will support at least $12.5 M in grants and up to $48.5 M in guaranteed loans. Applicants can determine if they qualify as a rural small business by referring to the Table of Small Business Size Standards (NAICSC) at http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf. USDA continues to place a priority on the numbers of jobs maintained/created. If you are interested in more information on this program, contact NBB Grants Administrator Jill Hamilton at 703-322-4484 or jhamilton@sesi-online.com.

Current State Funding Opportunities KyCGA Offers $5,000 Grant toward Public E85 Pump Installation The Kentucky Corn Growers is offering a $5,000 per pump grant to retailers installing new E85 dispensers in Kentucky. For more information, contact Laura Knoth at 800-326-0906.

Tax Credits

IRS Fuel Tax Credits & Refunds
Publication 378 covers federal fuel tax credits you may be able to claim on your income tax return. It also covers fuel tax refunds you may be able to claim during the year.

Additional Resources

Kentucky Department of Energy

KY Office of Agriculture Policy, http://agpolicy.ky.gov/board/index.shtml - (502) 564-4627
Kentucky Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship (KCADE) grants are available for proposals that support farm diversification, cooperative development, research on value-added products & new product development, and marketing.

USDA Rural Development, http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs - (859) 224-7300
USDA Rural Development programs can assist with a wide range of rural community needs, including affordable housing, business and industry loans, water and wastewater projects, and community facility needs.

Energy Policy Act of 1992, http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/epact/index.html
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) was passed by Congress to reduce our nation's dependence on imported petroleum by requiring certain fleets to acquire alternative fuel vehicles, which are capable of operating on nonpetroleum fuels.

Natural Gas Infrastructure Technical Assistance
Atmos Energy offers preliminary feasibility studies for compressed natural gas fueling stations and will assist with vendor selection on a case-by-case basis. Contact Walter Miller, Energy Services Consultant, Atmos Energy
Phone (817) 303-2903. walter.c.miller@atmosenergy.com