MDNR providing up to $10 million for energy efficient projects | Environment

BUTLER COUNTY, MO (KFVS) - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will be providing up to $10 million in low-interest loans for energy efficiency projects through the Energize Missouri Schools and Local Governments program.

The loans will help Missouri school districts, local governments, public colleges and universities.

"The energy savings achieved through these projects will save taxpayers money, and will allow schools, local governments, and colleges and universities to redirect the energy savings to continue investment into other essential services and capital improvement projects," said Sara Parker Pauley, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "The projects implemented as a result of these loans will help schools and local governments improve their facilities and follows Gov. Nixon's initiatives to use green innovative technology to improve the environment, help create jobs and stimulate Missouri's economy."

The department is accepting applications for the program. Loan recipients will repay the loans from the money they save after their energy projects are finished. The applications are evaluated on a competitive basis.

Those with the quickest payback in years, based on project cost versus anticipated energy cost savings, will be most competitive. You can download an application here. Early applications are encouraged, they will be processed and awarded on a monthly basis until funding is exhausted. All applications must be submitted by September 30, 2011.

Some examples of eligible projects include:

• Heating and air conditioning upgrades
• Lighting improvements
• Boilers
• Chillers
• Insulation
• Window replacements

For more information on the program, you can call 573-751-7466 or e-mail energyloan@dnr.mo.gov.

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