Rural Energy for America Program, Deadline June 15

April 27, 2011 gourdiefraserLeave a comment

EAST LANSING, April 25, 2011 – The United States Department of Agriculture is providing funding of $42 million in grants and up to $61 million in guaranteed loans nationally through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Funds are available to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses develop renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements and conduct studies to determine the feasibility of renewable energy systems.

New to this year’s REAP program is flexible fuel pumps, sometimes referred to as “blender pumps.” It is intended to provide fuel station owners with incentives to install flexible fuel pumps that will offer Americans more renewable energy options.

Michigan USDA Rural Development will have approximately $800,000 for grant requests greater than $20,000; approximately $482,000 available for grants less than $20,000; and $1.6 million available for REAP guaranteed loans. Once the state allocation has been exhausted, unfunded applications will then compete nationally.

Eligible projects in the 12 technology areas include:

anaerobic digesters,
biomass / biofuels,
flex-fuel pumps
geothermal (including electric generation and direct use),
hydrogen
solar (small and large)
small hydropower projects (30 megawatts or less),
wind (small and large), and
energy efficiency improvements.

Examples of energy efficiency projects include, but are not limited to: the installation of more energy efficient motors, pumps, fans, blowers, compressors, grain dryers, irrigation projects, refrigeration units, ventilation systems, windows, insulation, heating systems, lighting systems, and plumbing fixtures. Please note, costs associated with increases in capacity will be reduced from total eligible project costs.

Grants can cover up to 25 percent of total eligible costs. The minimum energy efficiency grant is $1,500 and maximum is $250,000. The minimum renewable energy grant is $2,500 and maximum is $500,000. For feasibility study grants, the maximum award is $50,000 or 25 percent of eligible study costs, whichever is less. Guaranteed loans can cover up to 75 percent of total eligible cost. Loan limits are a minimum of $5000 and a maximum of $25 Million.

Applications will be evaluated and selected based on the highest scoring projects and will be funded until all funds have been awarded. To be considered for any 2011 funding, all applications must be completed and received to the USDA Rural Development State Office or Area Offices, no later than June 15, 2011. Neither complete nor incomplete applications received after this date will be considered for fiscal year 2011 funding.

Recreational Trail Grants, Deadline June 1

April 26, 2011 gourdiefraserLeave a comment

Program Objective(s):
To fund the maintenance and development of recreational trails and trail related facilities.

Criteria:
Projects are evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Project need and benefit
2. Site/project quality
3. Balance among project types
4. Balance among trail uses
5. Geographic distribution of projects
6. Balance among programs/divisions

Eligibility:
State projects and state/local government partnership projects. A division within the Department of Natural Resources (Department) must always be the applicant.

Application Process:
Internal Department process. Local unit of government sponsored projects can be considered for funding if they contribute to Department program goals and they are located on
Departmental land or linked to a trail on Departmental land. Local unit of government applications will not be considered unless the project is developed as a joint application with a
division/bureau prior to the application deadline. The Departmental division must always be the applicant.

Deadline(s):
June 1, 2011

Timeline(s):
Funds are available on or after October 1

Dollar Amount(s) Available:
No limit on individual projects

Source(s) of Funds:
Federal Department of Transportation-Highway Administration (a portion of the federal gas tax). Administered by the Department.

Authority:
Annual appropriation by the Michigan Legislature

Trail Grants, Deadline May 16

April 22, 2011 gourdiefraserLeave a comment

As a result of these collaborative public/private, federal/state/local efforts, Michigan leads the nation in the number of trail miles on the ground. But more remains to be done, and MTGA is happy to announce the availability of small grants to assist organizations in pursuit of trail development. The MTGA Board of Directors has established a fund of $20,000 for 2011, in support of these grants. The goal of this program is to aid in the development of a connected trail network throughout the State of Michigan.

Eligibility
Eligible projects are those deemed likely to result in the acquisition, construction, improvement or linkage to any Michigan multi-use trailway. Eligible uses include (but are not limited to): planning and design efforts, brochures and other educational or interpretive material, public opinion surveys, legal assistance, ecological assessments, or actual trail acquisition and improvement. Applicants may have 501c3 nonprofit status, but it is not required. Grants awarded will range from $2,500 to $5,000.

Guidelines

The grant project must be able to be completed within 2 years.
Any grant amount not spent within 2 years shall be returned to the fund unless an extension is authorized by the MTGA Board of Directors.
Applicants must agree to submit a brief annual report including photos (if appropriate) for the length of the project.
Applicants must give proper credit to the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. This may include, but is not limited to: press releases, credit on signage or in publications.
Successful applicants are expected to provide to MTGA notices of project meetings and events; MTGA staff will attend or assist with these activities as needed or requested.

Final grant decisions, in the case of a scoring tie, may be based on several factors, including the relative urgency of the work being proposed, the need for funding, the ability of this grant to leverage other funding sources, and the geographic distribution of other awardees.

Deadline for Submission
Proposals for 2011 should be received or postmarked no later than May 16, 2011 and proposal submitters will be notified of grant decisions by letter no later than the 1st week of July, 2011. Funds will be disbursed at the mid-July Michigander Bike Tour. Contact us for more information!

Boating Infrastructure Grants, Deadline May 15

April 22, 2011 gourdiefraserLeave a comment

INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT PROGRAM
Program Objective(s):
To provide construction of recreational boating facilities in the state that meet the following goals:

Create dockage for transient recreational boats 26 feet or larger in order to provide access to recreational opportunities and safe harbors;
Provide navigational aids for transient boaters using these facilities;
Enhance access to recreational, historic, cultural, natural, and scenic resources;
Strengthen local ties to the boating community and its economic benefits;
Promote public/private partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities;
Provide continuity of public access to the water, and;
Promote awareness of transient boating opportunities.

Criteria:
All facilities constructed under this program must be:

Designed to accommodate boats 26 feet or greater in length;
Used by transient boaters (boaters not at their home port and staying not more than 10 consecutive days);
Open to the public;
No commercial uses or seasonal slips allowed;
Designed and constructed to last at least 20 years;
Continue to be used for their original stated grant purpose; and
Maintained throughout their useful life.

Activities that are not allowed under the program include:

Routine custodial and/or janitorial maintenance activities (those that occur regularly on an annual or more frequent basis);
Construction of slips for long-term rental (more than 10 days);
Construction or maintenance of facilities designed for trailerable boats;
Maintenance or dredging;
Dry land storage or haul out facilities;
Activities or construction that does not provide public benefit.

On-site investigation by Recreation Division (RD) staff may be required to determine
suitability of proposed work; applicant may be required to document area boating demand.

Additional State Requirements:
• Waterways Grant-in-Aid Program Requirements

Eligibility:
Local units of government (city, village, township or county), public universities, and private
facilities

Application Process:
1. Submit Boating Infrastructure Grant Program application form to Department of Natural Resources, RD.
2. Submit a Boating Infrastructure Grant Program Proposal.
3. Technical review of applications will be conducted by RD staff. After May 15, grant applications are potentially recommended to proceed with a final version of a proposal
to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Deadline(s):
Applications must be received by the Department of Natural Resources, RD, in Lansing office
by 5:00 PM, May 15.

Timeline(s):
The Boating Infrastructure Grant application initial review and funding process for projects is from May 15 until the federal government appropriates funding for projects. If the potential project application is approved to proceed, the applicant will then be asked to develop and complete a proposal with associated federal forms with the goal of submitting to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by approximately September 21, 2011. Exact date to be announced. If the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approves the project proposal, the applicant will then be asked to submit a full package of required documents. An applicant will then be required to sign a third-party agreement with the Department of Natural Resources, PRD before proceeding with final engineering documents and construction.

New Traverse City Building Expected to Bring Hundreds of Jobs

April 13, 2011 gourdiefraserLeave a comment

9 & 10 News – New Traverse City Building Expected to Bring Hundreds of Jobs
Posted On: 4/13/2011

Hagerty Insurance plans on expanding and adding a new building in the Old Town area of Traverse City.

The official ground-breaking was this morning.

The project is expected to bring about 200 new jobs and new retail space.

Officials say the project start was on hold until the Old Town parking deck was completed.

Now, employees will have somewhere to park their cars.

The bottom floor of the new building will be used for shops.

Construction will begin this week and should be completed by summer 2012.

Click here for video. GFA has been part of the River’s Edge redevelopment project since the mid 1990’s.

ORV Trail Grants, Due May 1

April 7, 2011 gourdiefraserLeave a comment

OFF ROAD VEHICLE (ORV) TRAIL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Program Objective(s):
This program provides funding for maintenance of established ORV trails and facilities as part of the designated statewide trail system. It also funds development of new trails and facilities, and restoration of natural resources damaged by ORV use.

Criteria:
Applications for trail, route, or area maintenance and/or development must be for facilities that are open to the public. Applications for damage restoration funds must be for lands in public ownership.

Eligibility:
Government agencies and nonprofit, incorporated clubs and organizations are eligible for these grants. Individuals are not eligible.

Application Process:
1. Grant applications and information on applying for grants are available in early spring.
2. Grant applications with required documents are due to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Department) by May 1.
3. The Department reviews applications and selects projects to be funded.
4. Grant agreements are issued to sponsors in late winter for the upcoming ORV season.
5. Approved sponsors must return two signed, original project agreements to the Department.
6. A fully executed grant agreement is provided to each sponsor.

Deadline(s):
Grant applications are due May 1 of each year.

Timeline(s):
The time period from grant application to grant award is approximately five months. Grants are issued for an entire fiscal year, October 1 through September 30. Special maintenance
projects may be issued for two fiscal years.

Dollar Amount(s) Available:
Maximum allowable is up to 100 percent of cost, not to exceed the actual grant allocation

FWS Challenge Cost-Share, Deadline Apr 30

April 7, 2011 gourdiefraserLeave a comment

The Midwest Region (Region 3) of the National Wildlife Refuge System manages the Fish and Wildlife Service Challenge Cost Share (CCS) program for the eight states of the region: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. The Midwest Region invites the submission of proposals in support of natural resource management, emphasizing the inventory and control of invasive species, habitat restoration, and conservation outreach opportunities. Proposals are done in partnership with a USFWS field office such as a National Wildlife Refuge, Wetland Management District, or Partners for Fish & Wildlife office.

Successful applicants must have at least 50% of project costs covered by non-federal resources and this funding must be in place prior to the expenditure of any CCS funds. The status of funding for the CCS program is uncertain as of 3/1/2011 but requests need to be in place if funding is received in the Federal FY 2011 budget. Proposals must be developed in partnership with a Region 3 field office and sent by the partnering USFWS office to the Midwest Region Challenge Cost Share Grant coordinator (contact information below).

All projects must be approved and sponsored by a US Fish and Wildlife Service field station and benefit National Wildlife Refuge System programs. Proposals are prepared under the most recent guidance from the Regional Office by the local unit of the USFWS. Potential applicants should check with USFWS offices to develop a shared conservation proposal and submit completed proposals by the closing date. For more information about this “call for proposals” or for information on local contacts in your area, please contact: Rob Bruesewitz, Acting Region 3 Challenge Cost Share Coordinator, (612)713-5403 phone) or e-mail at Robert_Bruesewitz@fws.gov.
Current Closing Date for Applications:     Apr 30, 2011
Expected Number of Awards:     10
Estimated Total Program Funding:     $100,000
Award Ceiling:     $25,000
Award Floor:     $1,000
CFDA Number(s):     15.642 — Challenge Cost Share
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:     Yes

Eligible Applicants
Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility”

Coastal Management Grants, Due May 16

April 4, 2011 gourdiefraserLeave a comment

Coastal Management Program Grants & Application

The 2012 Coastal Management Program Request for Proposals and associated Grant Application and Project Budget Forms are now available!

The request for proposals (RFP) is for Coastal Zone Management (CZM) grant funds for Fiscal Year 2012 projects that further the objectives of the Michigan Coastal Management Program (MCMP). Since 1978, the MCMP has provided financial assistance to eligible applicants to plan community land use and manage growth; protect, manage and restore coastal habitats; restore historic maritime structures; revitalize urban waterfronts; and increase recreational opportunities along Michigan’s Great Lakes coast. Grants are offered on a competitive basis to eligible applicants (coastal communities). Grant funds are passed-through by the MCMP and are made available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972.

The application must be submitted in two forms: 1) A hard copy of all applicable items in the Application Checklist (pages 6 – 7) must be mailed or delivered to the address below. 2) Items 2 – 6 of the Application Checklist must also be submitted in electronic form (MS Word or text file). The electronic form must be submitted as a data disk (CD or DVD) with the hard copy application or e-mailed.

Recreation Passport Grants, Deadline May 1

April 4, 2011 gourdiefraserLeave a comment

Recreation Passport Grant Applications Now Available

The Department of Natural Resources today announced that local units of government interested in applying for public recreation grants through the Recreation Passport Local Grant Program have until May 1, 2011 to apply.

Funding for the grant program is made possible through the new Recreation Passport Program. On Oct. 1, 2010, the $10 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) replaced the state’s annual $24 motor vehicle permit, or window sticker, that was required for a Michigan-registered vehicle to enter a state park or recreation area, as well as the $24 annual boating access permit. The Recreation Passport helps fund Michigan’s state parks, state recreation areas, boating facilities, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized trails, and historic resources in state parks. In addition, the program provides park and recreation development grants for local units of government.

The Recreation Passport Grant Program provides funding assistance for local public recreation needs through the development of public recreation facilities. The program emphasizes applications for parks and recreation infrastructure renovations and major repairs, while excluding the use of funds for operational expenses.

The maximum grant request this year is $30,000. Total funding for this year is expected to be between $150,000 and $200,000.

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Month: April 2011