Brief: NextGen Energy grants available

ST. PAUL — District 22A Rep. Doug Magnus said there’s good news for those looking to promote locally-created energy sources, as $2.7 million in grant funding is now available through the NextGen Energy grant program.

With Magnus’ help, the NextGen Energy Board was created in 2007.

The board’s primary focus is to examine the use of the state’s resources to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels, to increase our use of home-grown energy sources, to work towards agricultural and natural resource sustainability, and to ensure rural economic vitality.

“We are in the beginning stages of determining Minnesota’s future energy sources,” Magnus said. “These grants are made available to encourage continued research and development in order to help us set new standards.”

Magnus said the NextGen grants can be no more than 50 percent of the total project costs, and no more than 50 percent of the match can be in-kind services.

Application forms for the grants can be obtained by contacting the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at Andrew H. Carter, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, 625 Robert St. N., St. Paul 55155-2538, or by e-mailing Andrew.Carter@state.mn.us

Applications are due July 31. Final applicants will be notified of grant selections in October.

Tags: nextgen energy, news, grants