The Department of Environmental Protection this week announced it was retargeting funding to help finance equipment purchases and process changes that reduce energy consumption and prevent pollution by small businesses, rather than funding more site assessments.

DEP is redirecting $500,000 into the Small Business Advantage Grant Program, which provides a 50 percent matching grant of up to $7,500 to pay for equipment or finance process changes that reduce energy consumption and prevent pollution -- initiatives that bolster a company's bottom line.

This year, the program reached the limits of its funding in January, five months before its scheduled deadline of June 30. Advantage grants are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. With $500,000 in redirected funds and additional support from other appropriations, the program will be able to reopen July 1.

The $500,000 is being redirected from the Site Assessment Grant Program, which closes June 30.

The changes means more funding will be available to help businesses across the state find ways to increase energy efficiency, prevent pollution and save money.

For example, D. Pierce Transportation Inc. in Westmoreland County is saving $60,000 annually by installing bunk heaters in 26 trucks. The heaters will warm the cabs in the winter and reduce fuel consumption by eliminating the need to idle during layovers. The Small Business Advantage Grant Program provided $7,500 toward the $29,l20 project in March.

Boswell Lumber Co. in Somerset County is installing a new waste-wood grinder in its manufacturing plant. With the purchase of the new equipment, the company not only will save approximately $14,560 annually in operating costs, but it also will increase production and be able to sell the recycled wood waste for animal bedding. The company was awarded a $7,500 Small Business Advantage grant in March to buy the new grinder.

Visit the Small Business Advantage Grant Program webpage for more information.

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4/29/2005