|
CHICAGO—(ENEWSPF)—March 8, 2011. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced yesterday that is accepting applications until April 4 for two grant programs designed to promote green industry and energy efficiency and create jobs around the state. The department expects to award up to $15 million in grant funds to the selected applicants. Both programs are run by the State Energy Office and are funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). “DCEO and the administration of Governor Pat Quinn are strongly committed to building on Illinois’ successful track record as hub for green and energy efficient industry and practices,” said DCEO Director Warren Ribley. “These are two programs that will create more green jobs and help move our state toward a greener future. We encourage potential applicants to take advantage of these opportunities.” Grants will be awarded in two program areas: Green Industry Business Development and Large Customer Energy Efficiency. An earlier round of ARRA energy grants leveraged almost $1 billion in private investment in the green energy sector and created an estimated 12,000 jobs around the state. The Green Industry Business Development program is designed to support the development or expansion of renewable energy and energy efficiency component manufacturers, producers of dedicated biomass crops, and the manufacturers of recycled content products in Illinois. The Large Customer Energy Efficiency program is focused on implementing cost-effective natural gas and other thermal efficiency measures at industrial facilities and other large energy users in Illinois. In limited cases electric efficiency measures will be eligible as well. Implementing such measures enhances economic development in the state of Illinois through job creation and business development. Detailed applications must be submitted to the State Energy Office by April 4. The Department anticipates awarding the grants later this spring and projects would have to be completed before Feb. 17 of next year. For more information about these programs and applications, go to: http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Economic+Stimulus/Illinois+Energy+Plan.htm . |
|
Source: Illinois.gov
