DEQ Accepting Applications for up to $8.1 Million in Energy Efficiency Projects Block Grants Target Montana’s Smaller Cities and Counties

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced today that it is accepting application for more than $8.1 million in energy efficiency block grants. The grants are funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and are administered by the DEQ.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants are designed to reduce energy use while creating or retaining jobs across the state. The grants will support a range of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at the local government level. Most of the grants will go to approximately 175 smaller cities, towns, and counties across the state. Activities eligible for funding include energy conservation upgrades to facilities and buildings. But renewable energy projects, energy saving
traffic signals and street lighting, recycling projects and programs to advance energy codes are also eligible.

"These grants are an avenue toward innovative energy efficiency at the local level," said Bonnie Rouse, the block grant program administrator at DEQ. "These energy projects will create jobs across the state, save BTUs and help shift the way Montana uses energy."

The maximum grant will be $200,000 and applications must come through a local government entity. However, combined applications are encouraged (e.g., a city and county or two or three counties may apply as a single entity). The grant limit for combined applications is $500,000. Matching funds are encouraged but not required.

All applicants must take advantage of utility conservation incentives, such as rebates on lighting upgrades and insulation, wherever they are available.

The grant requirements and the complete application package are currently posted at the DEQ website: http://www.deq.mt.gov. Local governments wishing to apply can contact Vicki Woodrow, DEQ Procurement Officer, at 406-444-3101, or by email [email protected]

Grants will be judged and awarded on a competitive basis according to eligibility and scoring criteria described in the application. A free informational web seminar is scheduled for Friday, December 18th, 2009 and interested applicants are encouraged to sign up. Registration information is available on the website. Applications are due February 1, 2010.

The Montana DEQ does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or national origin.