BANGOR, Maine - The application window for small, rural businesses and agricultural operations to apply for an energy grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened, and will close in less than two weeks.
"The demand for solar among Maine's businesses and agricultural producers is just growing by leaps and bounds," says Virginia Manuel, who heads USDA Rural Development in Maine.
Manuel says while solar projects are proving to be among the most popular, the program will consider any number of projects designed to improve energy efficiency, from weatherization to the installation of energy saving LED lights, and the development of other alternative energy sources.
USDA will fund projects of up to $20,000 for rurally-located small businesses and agricultural operations. Manuel says the federal program has given out more than $6 million in energy support funding since 2009.
The deadline to apply is Oct. 31.
