MT. LAUREL — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program has funding available to improve the quality of rural housing in New Jersey, and also grants for renewable energy projects in the rural business community.
The deadline for applying for either grant is nearing.
Last year the USDA provided a $55,700 housing preservation grant to Upper Deerfield Township in Cumberland County where funds were used for repairs to existing dwellings throughout the township to correct health and safety issues. The funds provided for insulation, windows/doors and heating systems.
Separately, the Rural Energy for America Program this year has allocated $1.6 million in New Jersey for both loan guarantees and grants.
Howard Henderson, USDA’s Rural Development state director for New Jersey, announced the available of funds under both programs and is accepting applications for the housing program and seeking applications for energy efficiency projects from farmers, agricultural producers and rural small businesses.
Housing Preservation Grants are provided to intermediaries—such as town or county governments, public agencies, and non-profit and faith-based organizations. The grants are then distributed to qualified homeowners or owners of multi-family rental properties who rent to low and very-low income residents.
The grants can be used to weatherize and repair existing structures, install or improve plumbing or provide access to people with disabilities.
Deadline for application submission is no later than 5 p.m. June 28.
Applications can be obtained by calling Derrick Waltz at (856) 787-7772 or emailing derrick.waltz@nj.usda.gov
USDA may award grants competitively through the Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) published in the April 27 Federal Register at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/
2010/pdf/2010-9648.pdf
Under the renewal energy program, eligible projects include installing renewable energy systems such as wind turbines, solar, geothermal, biomass, anaerobic digesters, hydroelectric, and ocean or hydrogen systems. Funding may also be used to purchase energy-efficient equipment, add insulation, and improve heating and cooling systems.
The government funding is available from four USDA Rural Development renewable energy programs authorized by the Food, Conservation & Energy Act of 2008 (one section of the so-called Farm Bill).
Complete applications for state-allocated funds must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. June 1. All other applications are due in the USDA N.J. state office no later than 4:30 p.m. June 30 in order to be considered for nationally-pooled funds.
Further information on the renewal energy funding is available by contacting Victoria Fekete, energy coordinator, at (856) 787-7752 or by emailing victoria.
fekete@nj.usda.gov
More information on how to apply for this funding is available in the April 26, 2010 Federal Register at http://edocket.
access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-9580.pdf
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