WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King welcomed the announcement that the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) and the College of the Atlantic will receive a total of $164,650 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to further their efforts in energy conservation and develop renewable energy systems. The GPCOG will receive $100,000 and the College of the Atlantic will receive $64,650.

“Many Maine businesses and organizations are recognizing the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy, and federal investments like these can help support them as they pursue those benefits,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “We welcome this grant funding, which will support ongoing efforts by the Greater Portland Council of Governments and the College of the Atlantic to promote renewable energy and energy conservation initiatives in their communities.”

The GPCOG will use the funding to identify renewable energy technologies for agricultural producers and rural small businesses, as well as to promote energy programs. The GPCOG project is expected to assist at least 27 businesses and agricultural producers. The College of the Atlantic will use the grant funding to educate Hancock County business owners and agricultural producers about solar energy options, and is expected to assist at least 15 businesses and agricultural producers.

The funding is awarded through the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The program seeks to provide guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses so that they can purchase or install renewable energy technologies. Since 2009, USDA has provided more than $11.8 million in grants and loan guarantees through REAP.

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