04/22/05 Renewable energy grant money for Idaho

USDA says it has $22.8 million to support investments in renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements by agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns says the money is available to support a wide range of technology. JOHANNS "Of that money 11.4 million dollars will be available immediately under a competitive grand process. The other half will be used later this year for guaranteed loans." You can check the federal registry or USDA's Rural Development agency for application details and deadlines. JOHANNS "It also benefits local communities whose economies are supported by new projects and other ag producers whose products and byproducts are often used to produce these kinds of energy." Idaho now has a working anaerobic digester and several more are planned. A new ethanol plant is under construction in Burley. Work continues on a new geothermal power plant in the Raft River and wind machines are popping up in several southern Idaho locations. In fact, Idaho ranks 13th among all states for wind energy potential but only 11 megawatts of electricity are produced today from wind power. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott