Rural agency offering grants and loans

The Utah Rural Development agency announced that grants and guaranteed loans are available to help rural businesses or agricultural producers produce renewable energy or make energy-saving improvements to their facilities or farms.

The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program was created as part of the 2002 Farm Bill to help farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses develop renewable energy systems and increase efficiency.

Grants can be used to cover up to 25 percent of a project's cost and can be combined with the guaranteed loan program to further lower the cost of a variety of energy projects.

Grant-only applications may be submitted at any time, the agency said, but the 2007 deadline is May 18. Applications for guaranteed loans and a combination grant and guaranteed loan also may be submitted at any time but must be received by July 2 to be considered for 2007 funding.

For more information, applications, forms and other tools regarding the energy program, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/index.html.