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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman today accepted a check totaling nearly $37.7 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for rural development projects in Nebraska. The funding is for 154 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across the state.
“This is a significant investment from USDA Rural Development, and I feel confident in saying Nebraska communities will be able to put this money to good use,” Gov. Heineman said. “With high energy and fuel prices, the focus on improving renewable energy and energy efficiency is an important area of growth with tremendous opportunities for our farmers, ranchers and rural communities. We’re pleased at the success of this coordinated effort.”
The Governor was joined for the presentation by Scot Blehm, USDA State Director for Nebraska, U.S. Reps. Tom Osborne and Jeff Fortenberry, both members of the House Agriculture Committee, and representatives of the Nebraska Energy Office.
Among the projects receiving funding is S.W. Energy, LLC, which will use a $35 million loan to construct an ethanol facility near McCook capable of producing 50 millions gallons a year. USDA Rural Development is providing backing through its renewable energy and guaranteed loan program.
In addition to the loan program, USDA also sponsors a series of grants for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvement projects. The Nebraska Energy Office worked with local producers and businesses to help secure funding for the 153 projects in the state receiving grants this year, up from 37 projects during the previous grant cycle.
The largest of those grants will provide $500,000 to help Northeast Nebraska Biodiesel of Scribner complete a 5 million gallon per year facility scheduled to open this fall. Of the remaining grants, the majority are for efficiency projects that will help Nebraska producers upgrade irrigation equipment and reduce energy use.
Editor’s Note: A complete list of renewable energy and energy efficiency grant recipients is available online at the following link, http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/newsroom/2006/9006GrantRecipients.pdf
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