Rep. Pam Snyder (D-Greene/Fayette/Washington) encouraged small businesses and farmers on Wednesday to apply for state grant funding that can be used for energy efficiency, pollution prevention, and natural resource protection projects.
Grant funding of $1 million is available from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to encourage small businesses and farms to use green technology, become more energy efficient, and reduce operating costs.
“I encourage these businesses and farmers to apply because it allows them to make vital improvements that boost efficiency and cut operating expenses, while at the same time helping to protect the environment,” Snyder said. “This funding can be used for a variety of projects, including HVAC and boiler upgrades, installation of solar-powered or high-efficiency lighting, solvent recovery and waste recycling systems, and auxiliary power units deployed as anti-idling technology for trucks.”
Funding is also available for natural resource protection projects, including agricultural stormwater systems to reduce sediment in waterways and streambank fencing to keep livestock out of streams.
Business owners with 100 or fewer full-time employees are eligible for the grants, and the project for which the funding will be used must save the business at least $500 and 25 percent annually in energy consumption or pollution-related expenses.
Businesses can apply for 50 percent matching funds of up to $7,000 to adopt or acquire energy efficient or pollution-prevention processes or equipment. Costs incurred between July 1 and June 30, 2020, are eligible. The grants will be awarded on a first-come basis, and applications will be accepted until fiscal year 2019-20 funds are exhausted or April 12, whichever occurs first.