Washington (Platts)--21Sep2007

The US Department of Agriculture Friday said 345 proposals in 37 states
have been selected to receive a total of $18.2 million for renewable energy
and energy efficiency projects.

     "These funds will help create economic opportunity and reduce energy
costs for farmers, ranchers and small businesses in rural communities," USDA
undersecretary for rural development Thomas Dorr said in a statement. "Our
renewable energy programs have a significant impact on creating jobs and
investment opportunities and maintaining financially viable communities." 

     The grant and loan guarantee-grant combinations are being awarded through
USA's Section 9006 Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency
Improvements program. The program provides financial assistance to
agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy
generation systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Of the $18.2
million total, $13.4 million are grants and $4.8 million are guaranteed loans.