Burns: Environmental grant opportunity available to small businesses and farmers
Rep. Frank Burns July 24, 2018 | 3:11 PM
EBENSBURG, July 24 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is urging 72nd Legislative District entities to apply for grant funding available to farmers and small businesses for pollution prevention, energy efficiency and natural resource protection projects through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Small Business Advantage program.
“Everyone who thinks they may be eligible should consider applying, and should contact my offices for help or clarification if they need it,” Burns said. “Brittany Blackham in my office is able to act as an on-staff grant writer for those who need assistance.”
Examples of eligible projects are HVAC and boiler upgrades, high-efficiency lighting, solvent recovery and waste recycling systems, and auxiliary power units deployed as anti-idling technology for trucks. Last year, 150 small businesses were awarded more than $953,000 in grants for these types of projects.
Pennsylvania-based small-business owners with 100 or fewer full-time employees are eligible. Projects must save the business a minimum of $500 and 25 percent annually in energy consumption or pollution-related expenses.
Businesses can apply for 50-percent matching funds of up to $9,500 to adopt or acquire energy-efficient or pollution prevention equipment or processes. Only costs incurred between July 20, 2018 and June 30, 2019 are eligible.
Applications will be considered on a first-come basis, and will be accepted until fiscal year 2018-19 funds are exhausted, or April 12, 2019, whichever occurs first.
All applications must be submitted through the Commonwealth’s Single Application for Assistance at https://bit.ly/2OcsdSB. Printed, faxed and mailed applications are not accepted.
The complete Grant Application package, which includes step-by-step instructions for completing the on-line application, as well as all related forms, is available by visiting the DEP Small Business Ombudsman’s Office website at https://bit.ly/2JQp9be.
Burns’ office can be reached at (814) 472-8021.