Federal grants available for innovative on-farm energy efficiency projects in Massachusetts

AMHERST, Mass. (April 10, 2007) -- The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is seeking proposals for projects to improve energy efficiency on Massachusetts farms. The projects will be funded through the agency’s Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) program. This year, the grant specifically targets projects that include on-farm energy efficiency audits, audit processes and renewable energy alternatives.

Some $192,000 in federal funds will be awarded through a statewide competitive grants process. Individual grants will not exceed $75,000. CIG funds projects that stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. The funding is contingent on Congressional action.

Massachusetts government or non-government organizations or individuals may submit proposals for projects between one and three years in duration. Information on CIG project objectives, eligibility criteria and application instructions are available on-line at www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig.

Proposals must be received in the NRCS Massachusetts State Office by 4:00 pm (Eastern) on May 10, 2007. Applications must be sent or delivered to: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Conservation Innovation Grants Program, 451 West Street, Amherst, MA 01002-2995.

To submit your application electronically, visit www.grants.gov, click on "Apply for Grants" and follow the instructions. The CDFA number for this grant application package is 10.912.

For more information on CIG in Massachusetts, contact Richard DeVergilio, State Resource Conservationist, 413- 253-4379, Rick.Devergilio@ma.usda.gov.

There is one CIG category available in FY 2007: Technology Category -- Improved On-Farm Energy Efficiency. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) into NRCS technical manuals or guides, or to the private sector.

CIG does not fund research projects. Instead, it is a vehicle to stimulate the development and adoption of conservation approaches or technologies that have been studied sufficiently to indicate a high likelihood of success and to be candidates for eventual technology transfer.

CIG funds target innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. NRCS in Massachusetts will accept applications for single or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years, submitted from eligible entities, including federally-recognized Indian tribes, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations and individuals.

Applications will only be considered for projects within Massachusetts. Complete applications will be evaluated by a technical review panel and scored based on the Criteria for Proposal Evaluation described in the grant announcement. Scored applications will be forwarded to a Grants Review Board. The Grants Review Board will make recommendations for project approval to the State Conservationist. Final award selections will be made by the Massachusetts State Conservationist of NRCS.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Diane Baedeker Petit
Public Affairs Specialist
413-253-4371
diane.petit@ma.usda.gov

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