The Energy Program of the Mississippi Development Authority has allotted $50,000 of its U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program funds, to offer mini-grants to local municipalities in the state of Mississippi. These funds may be used towards energy efficiency in three categories: programs, buildings and transportation. All projects must be in-state and impact publicly owned equipment and/or facilities. Deadline is February 17, 2012.
The Sustainable Communities program is designed to help local units of government design a plan towards creating healthy environmental practices in energy. Applicants are encouraged to develop and submit projects that provide measurable and verifiable benefits. A list of eligible activities for use of program funds is described below. Funds must be expended prior to May 30, 2012; therefore, projects that may be started and completed in a timely manner will be favored. These grant funds are not to be used for projects that have already begun or to recover funds that have already been expended.
1. Energy Efficiency Programs:
Funding under this category may be used to develop energy efficiency programs for public buildings and facilities. Projects may include but are not limited to energy management training for building tenants; designing an energy management program; and public education.
2. Buildings:
Grants may be used for the purpose of improving efficiency in buildings. Below are eligible purchases to reduce total energy consumption in facilities. Applications must demonstrate energy and cost savings of proposed retrofits.
3. Transportation:
Funding will be made to support initiatives to enhance Public Transit/ Park and Ride initiatives in areas of economic development such as providing rides for tourist and working adults. Rides must be open to the public and not exclusive to any special groups. Projects may only be conducted with existing Mississippi Department of Transportation public transit and urban system providers.
http://www2.mississippi.org/assets/docs/community/foa-en02172012.pdf
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