Call for Renewable Energy Feasibility Fund project proposals

The Infrastructure Finance Authority (IFA) will accept proposals for project funding from the Renewable Energy Feasibility Fund (REFF) until 5 p.m., December 15, 2009. The fund provides grants and loans from the Special Public works Fund to help public agencies finance renewable energy feasibility studies.

Feasibility studies should determine the viability of potential municipally-owned projects that could use renewable energy resources for: generating electricity, heat or manufacturing an alternative fuel such as ethanol or biodiesel.

Renewable energy resources are defined as:

• water
• wind
• geothermal
• solar
• biomass
• waste materials
• waste fuels

Successful implementation of feasibility studies by Oregon municipalities can contribute to the reduction of Oregon's dependence on fossil-based energy sources.

Public agencies that are eligible to apply for the loans and grants include:

• cities;
• counties;
• county service districts;
• tribal councils;
• ports;
• special districts as defined in ORS 198.010; and
• airport districts.

The maximum grant award is $50,000 or 75 percent of total project cost whichever is less. A total up to $200,000 will be available in this 2009 Call for Proposals. Applications (Intake Forms) will be used to determine which proposals will be invited to submit a complete application for funding consideration.

All inquiries should be directed to the IFA regional coordinator responsible for your region. REF Fund program information, the application form and resources are available on the IFA Web site.