The Appalachian Regional Commission announced a grants competition this week to assist communities in leveraging renewable energy and energy efficiency resources to revitalize their economies.

The deadline for proposals is June 30.

ARC expects to provide eight to 10 awards of up to $75,000 each, for a total of $400,000 in awards, to help communities implement these strategies.

Eligible projects should result in the creation of new jobs or businesses in the target communities. Outcomes could include:

· Production and use of renewable energy products, such as biofuels, biomass, solar, or wind energy, including siting of these facilities and net metering applications;

· Distribution of renewable energy products, including customer purchasing commitments;

· Expansion or start-up of 'clean energy' businesses, including support for business incubation programs and targeted business financing programs;

· New construction or facilities renovations that follow 'green building' and LEED certified guidelines; and

· Installation of energy efficiency equipment in public or non-profit facilities that is 2005 Energy Policy Act Tax Credit eligible, directly results in cost savings, and leads to increased delivery of services to local communities.

This program will not provide support for projects that propose to study or plan for future activities. Energy audits will not be supported unless they include implementation of energy efficiency programs.

Non-profit organizations, governmental entities, and public educational institutions located within the ARC Region are eligible to apply. Private for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply.

Applications will be evaluated on several criteria, including:

· Feasibility of proposal and likelihood of achieving proposed outcomes;

· Capability of applicant, including expertise in relevant program areas, grants management, and community development;

· Level of community support, including overall level of match and private sector match.

· Articulation of clear, measurable outcomes; and

· Sustainability of effort, including ability to continue the activity at the conclusion of grant period.

Additional consideration will be provided for projects focusing on ARC designated distressed counties and areas, and for projects involving multi-state collaboration.

For information on submitting an application, visit the ARC Energy webpage.

4/13/2007