Statewide Local Share Account Grants Are Open
Overview: The PA Department of Community & Economic Develpment(DCED), through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), is now accepting applications for its Statewide Local Share Account (LSA) funded by gaming revenue under Act 71 to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of PA.
Statewide Local Share Account ()LSA) grants are now open!
Overview: The PA Department of Community & Economic Develpment(DCED), through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), is now accepting applications for its Statewide Local Share Account (LSA) funded by gaming revenue under Act 71 to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of PA.
Eligible Applicants:
PA Counties
Municipalities
Municipal Authorities
Economic Development Agencies
Redevelopment Authorities
Land Banks
Councils of Government
Eligible Projects: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.
Eligible Uses of Funds:
Acquisition
Construction to include renovation and rehabilitation
Demolition
Infrastructure
Purchase of vehicles, machinery and/or equipment
Planning, consulting and design costs related to planning projects
Engineering, design and inspection, to include permitting fees
Contingency costs not to exceed 5% of documented construction and infrastructure costs
Funding Details:
Grants are available for projects with a total eligible project cost of $25,000 or more
Grant requests shall not exceed $1,000,000 for any project
Applications and Scope:
To apply for funding, submission must be made via the online Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) Single Application for Assistance located at dced.pa.gov
Applications will be received from September 1, 2025 to November 30, 2025. The CFA charges a $100 non-refundable application fee for the Local Share Account applications.
Each application must include a cohesive project scope based on a singular project. This may include multiple phases of the same project. Applicants may submit multiple applications.
Grant Submission Assistance: The SSM team has acquired nearly $3,000,000 in the last few years in project funding from this exact loan distribution. We’re well-versed in assisting our clients with acquiring grant funds for their projects. Our grant services include preparation and submission on behalf of the entity. We also assist with cost estimates and scope of work definition and description.
For assistance with grant support, contact us:
Jamie Lorah | Technical Director, Process and Design Engineering
jamie.lorah@ssmgroup.com
New Round of State Grants Opens for Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Systems
A new round of funding for the PA Small Water and Sewer Program is open for applications through April 30, 2025, to assist with the construction, improvement, expansion, rehabilitation, or repair of water supply systems, sanitary sewer systems, and stormwater systems projects. The SSM team has acquired nearly $3,000,000 in the last few years in project funding from this exact loan distribution. We’re well-versed in assisting our clients with acquiring grant funds for their projects.
A new round of funding for the PA Small Water and Sewer Program is open for applications through April 30, 2025, to assist with the construction, improvement, expansion, rehabilitation, or repair of water supply systems, sanitary sewer systems, and stormwater systems projects. Grants are available for projects that cost between $30,000 and $500,000, and a 15% match is required. Eligible projects include construction or repair of water facilities, installation of security measures, acquisition of land, purchase and installation of equipment, and engineering, design, and inspection costs. You can view the program guidelines on DCED’s website.
Grant Submission Assistance: The SSM team has acquired nearly $3,000,000 in the last few years in project funding from this exact loan distribution. We’re well-versed in assisting our clients with acquiring grant funds for their projects. Our grant services include preparation and submission on behalf of the entity. We also assist with cost estimates and scope of work definition and description.
For assistance with grant support, contact us:
Jamie Lorah | Technical Director, Process and Design Engineering |jamie.lorah@ssmgroup.com
LSA Grant Open for Public Entities with Public Interest Projects
The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Applications will be received from September 1, 2024 to November 30, 2024.
Local Share Account (LSA) – Statewide
Overview: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Eligible Applicants:
PA Counties
Municipalities
Municipal Authorities
Economic Development Agencies
Redevelopment Authorities
Land Banks
Councils of Government
Eligible Projects: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.
Eligible Uses of Funds:
Acquisition
Construction to include renovation and rehabilitation
Demolition
Infrastructure
Purchase of vehicles, machinery and/or equipment
Planning, consulting and design costs related to planning projects
Engineering, design and inspection, to include permitting fees
Contingency costs not to exceed 5% of documented construction and infrastructure costs
Funding Details:
Grants are available for projects with a total eligible project cost of $25,000 or more
Grant requests shall not exceed $1,000,000 for any project
Applications and Scope:
To apply for funding, submission must be made via the online Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) Single Application for Assistance located at dced.pa.gov/singleapp
Applications will be received from September 1, 2024 to November 30, 2024. The CFA charges a $100 non-refundable application fee for the Local Share Account applications.
Each application must include a cohesive project scope based on a singular project. This may include multiple phases of the same project. Applicants may submit multiple applications.
Grant Submission Assistance: The SSM team has acquired nearly $3,000,000 in the last few years in project funding from this exact loan distribution. We’re well-versed in assisting our clients with acquiring grant funds for their projects. Our grant services include preparation and submission on behalf of the entity. We also assist with cost estimates and scope of work definition and description.
For assistance with grant support, contact us:
Jamie Lorah | Technical Director, Process and Design Engineering |jamie.lorah@ssmgroup.com
PA Department of Environmental Protection Launches Energy Efficiency Grant and Loan Program
The PA Department. of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) launched a new program to help local governments develop and implement energy efficiency upgrades for their buildings. The Municipal Opportunities for Retrofits and Energy Efficiency (MORE) program offers grants to $50,000 each and loans to PA municipalities and municipal authorities that are ineligible for direct EECBG allocations. Applications are open now, and awards are first come, first served.
The PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) recently launched a new program to help local governments develop and implement energy efficiency upgrades for their buildings. The Municipal Opportunities for Retrofits and Energy Efficiency (MORE) program offers grants to $50,000 each and loans to PA municipalities and municipal authorities that are ineligible for direct EECBG allocations. Applications are open now, and awards are first come, first served.
Approximately $1.8 million in grant funds will be offered through October 25, 2024, $1 million of which is on reserve through August 30 for “priority” communities based on need.
The intent of the MORE program is to help local PA governments pay for energy efficiency upgrades, building retrofits, and onsite renewable energy generation (when paired with energy efficiency), while lowering utility bills and fighting climate change pollution. Grant funds may be used to conduct an ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audit, design Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), develop the MORE loan application, and buy down the loan interest rate to as low as 0% with any remaining funds. ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audits performed within the last 5 years can be used.
The MORE loan application period opened June 3, 2024, and will remain open as long as funds are available. The minimum loan available is $5,000, and the program offers repayment terms up to 15 years. The loan application requires submission of the Level 2 audit and ECM design.
MORE program participants are strongly encouraged to apply for the grant first, as it is intended to reduce the hurdles of securing financing for energy efficiency projects.
Who is eligible for MORE? Eligible applicants for the MORE Program are PA local governments that are ineligible for an Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). A full list of local governments allocated EECBG awards that are not eligible for a MORE grant can be found here.
Eligible local government entities include:
Counties
Cities
Boroughs
Towns
Townships
Municipal Authorities
Program Timeline - The MORE Grant application will only be open from June 3, 2024 to October 25, 2024, but the MORE loan will continue accepting applications as long as funds are available. As a revolving loan fund, the MORE Loan does not have a closing date.
June 3, 2024: MORE grant and MORE loan opened
August 30, 2024: Priority applicant window for the MORE grant closes
October 25, 2024: MORE grant application closes
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Energy & Sustainability Services
Paul Spiegel, P.E., LEED AP | paul.spiegel@ssmgroup.com
LSA Grant open for public entities with public interest projects.
LSA Statewide Grant is now open for public entities with projects that meet the public interest. In the past, we helped our clients acquire nearly $3M in funding from the LSA Grants. This year’s application period is now open!
Local Share Account (LSA) - Statewide
Overview | The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Eligible Applicants:
- Counties
- Municipalities
- Municipal Authorities
- Economic Development Agencies
- Redevelopment Authorities
- Land Banks
-Councils of Government
Eligible Projects:
- Projects owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or nonprofit organization
- Eligible projects include projects in the public interest – Projects that improve the quality of life in the community
Eligible Uses of Funds
- Acquisition
- Construction to include renovation and rehabilitation
- Demolition
- Infrastructure
- Purchase of vehicles, machinery and/or equipment
- Planning, consulting and design costs related to planning projects
- Engineering, design and inspection, to include permitting fees
- Contingency costs not to exceed 5% of documented construction and infrastructure costs
Funding Details
- Grants are available for projects with a total eligible project cost of $25,000 or more
- Grant requests shall not exceed $1,000,000 for any project
Applications and Scope
To apply for funding, submission must be made via the online Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) Single Application for Assistance located at dced.pa.gov/singleapp
Applications will be received from September 1, 2023 to November 30, 2023. The CFA charges a $100 non-refundable application fee for the Local Share Account applications.
Each application must include a cohesive project scope based on a singular project. This may include multiple phases of the same project. Applicants may submit multiple applications.
Grant Submission Assistance
Last year, the SSM team acquired nearly $3,000,000 in project funding from this exact loan distribution. We’re well-versed in assisting out clients with acquiring grant funds for their projects.
Our grant services include preparation and submission on behalf of the entity. We also assist with cost estimates and scope of work definition and description.
For assistance with grant support, contact us:
Jamie Lorah | jamie.lorah@ssmgroup.com | 610-898-3044
We helped our clients acquire nearly $3,000,000 through last year’s LSA funding. Read about it here.
Funding Opportunity: Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants
Guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.
Project Profile:
Our energy team provided comprehensive energy and sustainability services including grant acquisition services totalling over $500K in funding acquired through the REAP program, and energy analysis aiding in reducing their environmental impact to almost zero.
USDA REAP Energy Efficiency Grant | Our team acquired a $250,000 Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) grant to purchase a new electric pump/dredge, to eliminate diesel fuel use.
USDA REAP Renewable Energy Grant | The second grant our team acquired for the client was in the amount of $327,000 for a solar photovoltaic array to power close to 100% of initial scope and reduce their environmental footprint. Aztec Materials has since expanded their operations, and the solar array covers the majority of the new total electricity demand. This solar array should last 20 to 25 years.
What does this program do? The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to rural small businesses and agricultural producers for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.
Who may apply for this program?
Agricultural producers – directly engaged in production of agricultural products where at least 50 percent of their gross income comes from agricultural operations
Small business located in eligible rural areas, meeting the Small Business Administration size standards and one of the following – private for-profit entity; a cooperative; an electric utility that provides service to rural consumers and operated independent of direct government control; a tribal corporation or tribal business entities
What is an eligible area?
Projects must be located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 residents or less
Agricultural producers may submit project to be located in non-rural areas should project be associated
with an on-site production operation.
Funds may be used for the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems, such as:
Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels)
Geothermal for electric generation or direct use
Hydropower below 30 megawatts
Hydrogen
Small and large wind generation
Small and large solar generation
Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation
Funds may be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements:
High efficiency HVAC
Insulation
Lighting
Cooling or refrigeration units
Doors and windows
Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots
Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor
Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment
What funding is available?
Loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs
Grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs
Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs
For full program details:
Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants in Pennsylvania | Rural Development (usda.gov)
For assistance and to get started: Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP | paul.spiegel@ssmgroup.com
Financing Opportunity: Pennsylvania C-Pace (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy)
About the program: Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) is a financial tool for property owners to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficient equipment, renewable energy, and water conservation projects.
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-Pace)
About the program:
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) is a financial tool for property owners to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficient equipment, renewable energy, and water conservation projects.
About the program:
With C-PACE, building owners can enjoy the advantages of energy upgrades immediately and pay for them over time through a voluntary assessment lien that is repaid annually along with municipal property taxes. C-PACE can provide up to 100% funding of total project costs including equipment, labor, and soft costs. Because C-Pace is attached to a property assessment, it is a very secure form of financing.
Properties eligible for C-PACE in Pennsylvania:
Commercial, industrial and agricultural properties can access C-PACE if the county has adopted the C-PACE resolution.
The program guidelines adopted by a county will set forth the parameters for how a clean energy project can qualify for both new construction and a retrofit of qualified properties.
Finance:
Loans through the C-PACE program can be made to any property owner in good standing located in a participating county. Funding for the loan can come from “any public or private financing note, mortgage, loan, deed of trust, instrument, refunding note, or other evidence of indebtedness or obligation used to finance a qualified project.” While loans in other states are generally made from private equity capital providers, Pennsylvania is an open market so the property owner can borrow from a firm of their choice.
Administration:
Owners of commercial and agricultural properties that would like to improve their properties to save energy, conserve water, and/or generate renewable electricity should check the Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF) website or ask your Energy Consultant if C-PACE financing is available in your county or area. (Note: The Program Administrator for City of Philadelphia properties is Philadelphia Energy Authority, not SEF)
Here to Help:
The SSM Energy and Sustainability team provides technical support for C-Pace Philadelphia and is a partner of the Sustainable Energy Fund’s Service Provider Network.
Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP | paul.spiegel@ssmgroup.com
Funding Opportunity: Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvements
What does this program do? The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants
Program Period | Open for Fiscal Year 2023
Applications due October 31, 2022 (set-aside) and March 31, 2023
What does this program do?
The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.
Who may apply for this program?
- Agricultural producers with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations.
- Small businesses in eligible rural areas.
What are the borrowing restrictions for loan guarantees?
- Individual borrowers must be citizens of the United States or reside in the U.S. after being legally admitted for permanent residence.
- Private-entity borrowers must demonstrate that loan funds will remain in the U.S.
What is an eligible area?
- Businesses must be in located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 residents or less.
- Check eligible business addresses.
- Agricultural producers may be in rural or non-rural areas.
How may the funds be used?
Funds may be used for renewable energy systems, such as:
- Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels).
- Geothermal for electric generation or direct use.
- Hydropower below 30 megawatts.
- Hydrogen.
- Small and large wind generation.
- Small and large solar generation.
- Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation.
Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as:
- High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
- Insulation.
- Lighting.
- Cooling or refrigeration units.
- Doors and windows.
- Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots.
- Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor.
- Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.
Agricultural producers may also use guaranteed loan funds to install energy efficient equipment and systems for agricultural production or processing.
What funding is available?
- Loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs.
- Grants for up to 40 percent of total eligible project costs.
- Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants in Pennsylvania | Rural Development (usda.gov)
The SSM Energy and Sustainability Team is well-versed in aiding clients with acquisition of funding for their energy projects.
For more information or assistance with acquiring REAP funds, contact our team.
Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP | paul.spiegel@ssmgroup.com
Funding Opportunity: COVID-19 ARPA H20 PA - Water Suply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Projects
The H2O PA Act was established by the General Assembly in July 2008. The Act provides for single-year or multi-year grants to municipalities or municipal authorities to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm water projects. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $205.4 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the H2O PA – Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Projects Program.
OVERVIEW
The H2O PA Act was established by the General Assembly in July 2008. The Act provides for single-year or multi-year grants to municipalities or municipal authorities to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm water projects. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $205.4 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the H2O PA – Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Projects Program.
USES
Activities to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm water projects.
ELIGIBILITY
Municipalities and Municipal Authorities
FUNDING
A minimum for $500,000 or more and a maximum of $20,000,000 for any project.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Jamie Lorah, PE | jamie.lorah@ssmgroup.com
Funding Opportunity: COVID-19 ARPA PA Small Water and Sewer
Grants for small water, sewer, storm sewer, and flood control infrastructure projects. Pursuant to Article XVII-A, § 1774.1-A, of the Act of April 9, 1929, P.L. 343, as amended (The Fiscal Code) the sum of $40,000,000 was made available to the Commonwealth Financing Authority (the “Authority”) for eligible projects.
OVERVIEW
Grants for small water, sewer, and storm water infrastructure projects. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $105.6 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the PA Small Water and Sewer Program.
USES
Activities to assist with the construction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation or repair of a water supply system, sanitary sewer system, storm sewer system, or flood control projects.
ELIGIBILITY
Municipalities and Municipal Authorities
FUNDING
Eligible projects are those which have a total project cost of not less than $30,000 and not more than $500,000.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
PA Small Water and Sewer Program | Grant | DCED
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Jamie Lorah, PE | jamie.lorah@ssmgroup.com
Pennsylvania Water Funding Sources Overview & Discussion
On Wednesday, July 13, FEMA Region 3 and their federal and state partners are hosting a virtual event for Pennsylvania water and wastewater facility owners and operators to learn about various funding opportunities and participate in a discussion.
About the Event
On Wednesday, July 13, FEMA Region 3 and their federal and state partners are hosting a virtual event for Pennsylvania water and wastewater facility owners and operators to learn about various funding opportunities and participate in a discussion. Presentations will be provided by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Representatives from the following agencies will discuss various programs and answer questions:
Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST)
Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
REGISTRATION:
To register for this free event, visit: Pennsylvania Water Funding Sources Overview & Discussion
Funding Opportunity:
Funding Opportunity - No Match Required
National Water Quality Initiative Watershed and Source Water Protection Area Selection and Criteria for Planning and Implementation Phases of NWQI - Fiscal Year 2023
Funding Opportunity - No Match Required
the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the latest round for the National Water Quality Initiative. This is a great source water protection funding opportunity - and it does NOT require a match.
FOR MORE INFORMATION contact Serena DiMagno
Download the Bulletin
Funding Opportunity: Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants
What does this program do?
Provides grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance (REDA) to eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses. This program helps promote American energy independence by increasing the private sector supply of renewable energy and decreasing the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements. Over time, these investments can also help lower energy
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants
Program Period | Open for Fiscal Year 2023 Applications due January 31, 2023
What does this program do?
Provides grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance (REDA) to eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses. This program helps promote American energy independence by increasing the private sector supply of renewable energy and decreasing the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements. Over time, these investments can also help lower energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers.
Who may apply for this program?
State and local governments.
Federally-recognized tribes.
A land-grant college or university or other institutions of higher education.
Rural electric cooperatives.
How may funds be used?
The assistance must be provided to agricultural producers and rural small businesses located in eligible rural areas.
Assistance provided must consist of:
Energy audits.
Renewable energy technical assistance.
Renewable energy site assessments.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants in Pennsylvania | Rural Development (usda.gov)
Here to help: Energy & Sustainability Services
Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP | paul.spiegel@ssmgroup.com
DEP announces DC Fast Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Grant Program
The Department of Environmental Protection (Department) announces an opportunity to apply for up to $2.2 million in grants offered through the DC Fast Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Grant Program
The Department of Environmental Protection announced an opportunity to apply for grants offered through the DC Fast Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Grant Program, one of the funding programs under the Driving PA Forward Initiative. This funding is available for light-duty zero emission vehicle supply equipment projects that will improve air quality and protect public health and the environment in this Commonwealth by reducing emissions through expanded use of DC fast charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructures.
Eligible Projects: those that will install DC fast charging or hydrogen fueling equipment in community hubs, transportation corridors and destinations, as defined in the Program Guidelines. Funding is available for public and private entities including school districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions, State and local agencies, tribal governments, nonprofit entities, corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and sole proprietorships which are incorporated or registered in the State, air quality or transportation organizations and metropolitan or rural planning organizations.
The Program Guidelines and Application Instructions are available on the Department's Driving PA Forward webpage at https://dep.pa.gov/DrivingPAForward/.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Andrew Shambach | andrew.shambach@ssmgroup.com
Energy Efficiency Investment Fund Supports Projects in Delaware
Support from the Energy Efficiency Investment Fund is available to perform energy assessments, to take widely-recognized (prescriptive) improvement steps, and to implement custom, site-specific improvements.
Support from the Energy Efficiency Investment Fund is available to perform energy assessments, to take widely-recognized (prescriptive) improvement steps, and to implement custom, site-specific improvements.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) provides grants through the Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF) to help commercial and industrial customers replace aging, inefficient equipment and systems with energy efficient alternatives.
Energy Efficiency Investment Fund Grants
Energy Assessment Grants support single purpose (targeted) energy audits and comprehensive energy audits designed to help facilities receive technical evaluations for appropriate, cost-effective energy efficiency improvements, specific to each building’s needs.
Prescriptive Improvement Grants include two types of applications: prescriptive lighting and heating, which includes natural gas heating and water heating equipment.
Custom Improvements Grants apply to more complex or one-of-a-kind measures that go beyond the equipment funded by Prescriptive Improvement Grants. Custom incentives mitigate a significant portion of the project costs for high efficiency equipment. They are based on incremental cost, calculated energy and demand savings of retrofit projects, cost effectiveness, and are limited by total project cost.
Combined Heat and Power Grants include five types of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems: microturbines, reciprocating engines, gas turbines, steam turbines, and fuel cells. Systems must meet the minimum 60% annual system efficiency requirement, and produce 1.0 MMbtu/hour of useful thermal output. The CHP pathway is ideal for facilities with high annual hours of operation and a high thermal load.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Website: https://de.gov/eeif
Application Portal: https://eeif.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp
ESupplier website for Payment: https://esupplier.erp.delaware.gov/
Does this information speak to you?
Let’s get you started on acquiring your funding. Give us a call.
Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP | Director Energy and Sustainability Services | paul.spiegel@ssmgroup.com
New Grant Program Announced by Susquehanna River Basin Commission
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) has recently announced a new grant program aimed at improving water availability and quality in the Susquehanna River Basin, particularly during droughts. These “Consumptive Use Mitigation Grants” are based on the SRBC’s 2020 Consumptive Use Mitigation Policy, which refers to water that is used but not returned to the basin. The purpose of the program is to improve the resiliency of the Basin’s water resources, and hopes to award $4-6 million for related projects.
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) has recently announced a new grant program aimed at improving water availability and quality in the Susquehanna River Basin, particularly during droughts. These “Consumptive Use Mitigation Grants” are based on the SRBC’s 2020 Consumptive Use Mitigation Policy, which refers to water that is used but not returned to the basin. The purpose of the program is to improve the resiliency of the Basin’s water resources, and hopes to award $4-6 million for the following types of projects:
Environmental and water quality improvement projects - These types of projects include natural waterway (wetlands, streams, floodplains) restoration, projects which may increase groundwater recharge, stormwater management improvement, or projects which will decrease pollutant loading in streams or groundwater.
Demand modification projects - An example of this type of project is altering the processes or increasing the efficiency at a local industrial facility that helps the facility reduce water usage, or allows it to reuse or recycle water used.
Projects that modify current operations or implement new practices which increase instream flows or improve flow resilience - This type of project would ideally deal with reservoir conservation releases, aquifer storage and recovery, or coordinated use of groundwater and surface water.
Water storage and release projects that can enhance supply and reliability during drought - Recently, the Commission assisted in a study to determine the feasibility of acquiring and using an abandoned limestone quarry for conservation releases. This type of project is eligible for these grand funds under this category.
There is a requirement for a minimum 10% cash match for the total requested grant funds; however, grant funds can be used to cover a variety of the project costs, including land acquisition.
SRBC held an informational webinar on November 16, which will be repeated on Wednesday, December 8. Proposals are currently being accepted and are due before January 28, 2022. Grants will be announced April 2022, with grant agreements executed June 2022.
More information on who may apply, acceptable project types, and other details may be found at https://www.srbc.net/our-work/grants/consumptive-use-mitigation-grant.html.
Our clients in the Susquehanna River Basin have a great opportunity to receive funding for projects which improve water quality and resiliency in their local watershed. SSM is excited to assist with the project planning, grant applications, and project implementation. Interested in applying? Give us a call!
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ashton Prifer | ashton.prifer@ssmgroup.com
Alternative Fuels incentive Grant is Open
An investment is being made not only in alternative fuels, but the deployment of alternative fuel vehicles, fleets, and technologies.
Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP
Lindsey Walaski, CEM, LEED AP
PA Department of Environmental Protection - Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program
The AFIG Program helps to create new markets for alternative fuels in Pennsylvania. An investment is being made not only in alternative fuels, but the deployment of alternative fuel vehicles, fleets, and technologies. The intent is to provide a stimulus for opportunities that better manage Pennsylvania's fuel resources in a way that also improves the environment, supports economic development and enhances the quality of life.
The primary goals of the AFIG Program are to improve Pennsylvania's air quality and reduce consumption of imported oil through the use of homegrown alternative fuels that will help the Commonwealth's economy and environment. Through the program, DEP solicits applications for innovative, advanced fuel and vehicle technology projects resulting in cleaner advanced alternative transportation within the Commonwealth.
WHO CAN APPLY:
School Districts, Municipal Authorities, Municipalities, Non-Profits, Private Businesses
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:
Purchase or retrofit vehicles to operate on alternative fuels
Purchase and install refueling equipment
Research or develop new technologies
AVAILABLE FUNDS:
Infrastructure and innovative technology grants up to $600,000.
Vehicle grants up to $100,000 per vehicle, depending upon class of vehicle.
DEADLINE:
The program will collect and review all applications submitted by August 27, 2021 and December 17, 2021.
All applications must be submitted via the DCED eGrants application system.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Funding your next Capital Project
C-PACE Financing offers a viable funding option for capital building upgrades. It continues to gain momentum in Pennsylvania as a great tool to finance energy efficient building improvements.
C-PACE Financing offers a viable funding option for capital building upgrades. It continues to gain momentum in Pennsylvania as a great tool to finance energy efficient building improvements.
Our Energy and Sustainability Team is here to help. From the necessary assessment and modeling pre-requisites, to the project establishment and application process all the way to the technical components of taking your improvement project to completion- we’ve got you covered.
To help you get started in uncovering your opportunity for financing, we turned to the financing administrators to provide you with all the simple and sweet details you need to know.
What is C-PACE Financing?
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) is an innovative financial tool for property owners to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for projects. C-PACE can provide up to 100% funding of total project costs by placing a special voluntary assessment on the property that repays the costs of the upgrades including equipment, labor and soft costs. Because C-PACE is attached to a property assessment, it is a very secure form of financing.
Who’s Eligible?
Commercial properties, tax-exempt organizations, commercial portions of mixed-use buildings, and new construction projects.
What are Eligible Projects?
Energy Efficiency: This includes HVAC upgrades, building controls, LED lighting, green roofs, geothermal energy, heat recovery, and high efficiency equipment such as chillers and heat pumps
Water Conservation: This includes any project that will demonstrate water savings including high-efficiency equipment, condensate water reuse, low-flow fixtures and more
Renewable Energy: This includes improvements such as solar power, wind power, fuel cell, solar thermal and methane gas from landfills and anaerobic digestion, and more.
What are Key Requirements?
Project must be approved by your county’s Program Administrator.
$100,000 minimum financing amount and 95% lien-to-value limit
Financing term cannot exceed the weighted average expected useful life of the installed measures (max. 30 years)
For More Information: https://pennsylvaniacpace.org/
Does this information speak to you?
Let’s get you started on acquiring your funding. Give us a call.
Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP | Director Energy and Sustainability Services | paul.spiegel@ssmgroup.com
Discussion Topics:
What is Source Water Protection?
Where to find protection zone information
Concerns with potential contamination issues and follow-up information
Managing Risks
Resources for education of customers and residents