MGPUB Offers Assistance for Retailers and Farmers Seeking Renewable Energy Funding - Informational Meeting May 24 in Annapolis

The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization  Board is offering assistance to farmers and businesses in preparing applications for a share of the $70 million in loan guarantees and grants available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).  Offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the program is designed to help agricultural producers and small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption, and help meet the Nation’s critical energy needs.

A portion of this funding is intended for the installation of retail flexible fuel pumps. These grants are for pumps, equipment, and the retrofitting to dispense E85 and other lower blends of ethanol for vehicles. With these new pumps, station owners can service the rapidly growing fleet of flex fuel vehicles, help America increase biofuel use, and reduce our dependence on imported oil.  USDA expects to fund the installation of 10,000 pumps over five years. 

“This is a proactive step towards decreasing our dependency on foreign oil and non-renewable fossil fuel,” states Lynne Hoot, Executive Director of MGPA.  “Oil fluctuates in price rapidly, so changing to biofuels helps buffer that change.  Estimates are that gas would be 50-60 cents higher per gallon if ethanol were not in the market.” 

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity and ask questions of USDA program managers, plan to attend a meeting to be held at the Maryland Energy Administration, 60 West Street, Suite 300, Annapolis, MD 21401 on Tuesday May 24 from 11am-2pm.  Lunch will be provided. The meeting targets public retailers, retail pump distributors, ethanol marketers, and others interested in this program.

“The Baltimore-Washington metro area has one of the highest concentrations of FlexFuel Vehicles in the United States. We would like to see Maryland retailers and our farmers take advantage of this market and funding opportunity, and we are willing to help make it happen,” continued Hoot.  “We have experienced staff available to assist interested parties in preparing the necessary documentation to apply for REAP funding.”

REAP funds can also be used to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses develop renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements, and conduct energy audits and studies to determine the feasibility of renewable energy systems.

The deadline for submitting a REAP application for renewable energy systems is June 15.  Feasibility studies, energy audits, and renewable energy development assistance must be submitted by June 30.  For more information, contact Jill Hamilton at 703-322-4484.