USDA awards grants to College of the Atlantic, Greater Portland Council of Governments

The Bar Harbor-based College of the Atlantic and the Greater Portland Council of Governments were among the 26 nationwide recipients of Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants.

The grants, which were made possible through the Rural Energy for America Program, assists farms and small businesses to right-size their energy systems and helps with the installation costs for renewable energy equipment.

The College of the Atlantic received a $64,650 grant to educate Hancock County business owners and agricultural producers about solar energy options and solutions. This project is anticipated to assist at least 15 businesses and agricultural producers.

The Greater Portland Council of Governments received a $100,000 grant to identify renewable energy technologies for agricultural producers and rural small businesses and promote energy programs. This project is anticipated to assist at least 27 businesses and agricultural producers, according to a news release.

“I am pleased this USDA Rural Development grant funding will assist two innovative Maine organizations to work with at least 42 Maine businesses to establish energy and cost-saving solutions through the installation of renewable energy and energy efficient systems,” USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel said in a statement. “These efforts promote jobs, economic development, and a clean environment in rural Maine.”