Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear Announces On-Farm Energy Awards

Stimulus Funds Awarded to Kentucky Farmers for On-farm Energy Savings, Production

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear today announced the award of $481,690 in On-Farm Energy Efficiency and Production Incentives grants to 52 producers.  This grant program is the result of the partnership between the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy (GOAP) and Kentucky’s Department for Energy Development & Independence with stimulus funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“In October 2009, I announced the availability of stimulus funds for on-farm energy efficiency improvements in Kentucky,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “I am pleased to announce that 52 farm families were able to take advantage of this opportunity to improve farm energy efficiency or biomass production.”

Recipients of these energy stimulus incentives may receive 25 percent reimbursement of the actual cost of a federally qualified energy saving project, up to $10,000.  Permissible items include, but are not limited to, energy audits, energy efficient farm building components, on-farm energy upgrades, on-farm energy efficiency training and biomass energy production activities.

“These on-farm energy efficiency incentive grants represent only a small part of Kentucky’s State Energy Program award,” said Roger Thomas, executive director of GOAP. “But they will provide enormous benefit to Kentucky’s farm families and position Kentucky agriculture as a leader in on-farm energy efficiency.”

These awards, along with funds awarded in 2009, bring total ARRA investments in the On-farm Energy Efficiency and Production Incentives program to more than $680,000.

All applications for the incentive grants were reviewed and scored by a committee comprised of representatives from GOAP, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, the UK College of Agriculture and a Rural Electric Cooperative.  A representative from USDA Rural Development and the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet each served in an ex-officio capacity.

The 2010 ARRA On-farm Energy Efficiency and Production Incentives Program is designed to help achieve the goals of Gov. Beshear’s Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future:  Kentucky’s 7-Point Energy Strategy, and will be part of the effort to meet 18 percent of Kentucky’s energy needs from efficiency improvements by 2025.

###

Gov. Steve Beshear and the Kentucky General Assembly continue to make great strides toward lessening Kentucky’s dependence on tobacco production while revitalizing the farm economy by investing 50 percent of Kentucky's Master Settlement Agreement into the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.

The Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy provides a direct link between the Governor and one of the Commonwealth’s most important industries.  For more information about Kentucky’s agri-energy initiatives, contact Tim Hughes at (502) 564-4627 or visit agpolicy.ky.gov.

The mission  of the Department for Energy Development Independence (DEDI) is to improve the quality and security of life for all Kentuckians by creating efficient, sustainable energy solutions and strategies; by protecting the environment; and by creating a base for strong economic growth.  To learn more about DEDI visit www.energy.ky.gov.

The Recovery Act signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009 includes measures to modernize our nation’s infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.  For more information about what is being done with Kentucky’s ARRA funding visit kentuckyatwork.ky.gov.