Farms Eligible For Energy Efficiency Grants

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- State officials say grants of up to $200,000 are available to Shore farmers looking to upgrade the energy efficiency of their farms.

The Maryland Energy Administration says the program is aimed at covering up to 75 percent of the cost associated with increasing insulation, ventilation, irrigation or HVAC upgrades.

The Daily Times of Salisbury says farms and agricultural businesses will be eligible for the grants if the project they are proposing will increase energy savings by at least 15 percent.

All projects must be completed by April 1, 2013 to be eligible for one of the estimated 10-15 grants the agency anticipates giving out.

The program is being funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's better buildings program, which provided $1 million to the state for the grants.

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