Organic Farming Grants, Due June 12

Organic Initiative Special Sign-up Extended until June 12, 2009

The 2009 Organic Initiative is a nationwide special initiative to provide financial assistance to National Organic Program (NOP) certified organic producers as well as producers in the process of transitioning to organic production. Organic producers may also apply for assistance under general EQIP.

Under the Organic Initiative, minimum core conservation practices have been set nationally. The core practices are: Conservation Crop Rotation; Cover Crop; Nutrient Management; Pest Management; Prescribed Grazing; and Forage Harvest Management. In addition, States may add any appropriate practice that meets the resource concern on a particular farm.

Applications received from organic producers or producers in transition to organic farming will be accepted under this initiative until June 12. Applications will be ranked at that time. Please contact your GFA client rep for more information!

Aging in Place Grants, Deadline July 15

The Department of Health & Human Services has an open grant program:

The AoA will award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to develop and carry out model aging in place projects (See 42 U.S.C. 3033 for complete statutory authorization for this grant project. The projects will promote aging in place for older individuals in order to sustain the independence of older individuals. A recipient of a grant under this subsection must identify innovative strategies for providing, and linking older individuals to programs and services that provide, comprehensive and coordinated health and social services to sustain the quality of life of older individuals and support aging in place.

All CIAIP grantees will use the funds made available through the grant to:

1. Ensure access by older individuals in the project area to community-based health and social services consisting of—
case management, case assistance, and social work services;
health care management and health care assistance, including evidence-based disease prevention and health promotion services;
education, socialization, and recreational activities; and
volunteer opportunities for project participants;

2. Conduct outreach to older individuals within the project area;

3. Develop and implement innovative, comprehensive, and cost-effective approaches for the delivery and coordination of community-based health and social services, including those identified in paragraph (1) above, which may include mental health services, for eligible older individuals; and

4. Cover travel expenses for two project staff to attend a project meeting in Washington, DC in Year 2 of the project.

Up to $4,500,000 will be available to fund up to 15 new Community Innovations for Aging In Place (CIAIP) grants. These grants will be funded at a federal share of approximately $250,000 to $500,000 per year for a project period of three years, contingent on the availability of federal funds. Contact your GFA client rep if you are interested in applying for this program!

Recycle Your Electronics for Cash!

Now you can safely recycle those old electronics and maybe get a little cash in return at teh same time! If you use the online service you can get your item appraised immediately, and if the price is worth the trade in to you the website will generate a FedEx slip so you can ship your item in!

Here's the link: http://radioshack.cexchange.com/online/home/index.rails

RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH), as part of its ongoing commitment to making innovative electronics products and platforms more accessible and affordable, today announced it has expanded its electronics trade-in program to include approximately 4,400 company-operated stores.
The RadioShack trade-in program seeks to enhance access to new technology by offering customers the opportunity to apply the value of their older devices to purchases. The program encourages customers to take advantage of innovative technology in an environmentally friendly manner. The trade-in program is the most recent element of RadioShack's ongoing commitment to the environment.
"Customer response to our online trade-in program has been excellent," said RadioShack's Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Peter Whitsett. "Expanding the program to our stores will make it easier for customers to gain access to new, innovative products while realizing value for their used or obsolete devices. Not only is this a win for our customers, but by keeping these used electronics out of landfills, it is a real benefit for our environment."
Customers who take eligible electronics to RadioShack will receive same-day savings on purchases by following these steps:
Eligible products (see list below) must be in working condition and able to "power on" during the appraisal process.
Customer must be the owner of the device and provide their name and address.
Customer will be required to show a valid Driver's License, State ID card, Military ID, or Passport in order to qualify for a gift card exchange.
Eligible products for the RadioShack trade-in program at the store level include MP3 Players, wireless phones, gaming systems and games, GPS receivers, digital cameras and digital camcorders. Additional appraisal value can sometimes be offered for trading in devices with their AC charger, cables, manuals and other accessories. Acceptable items for RadioShack's online trade-in program include the same electronic products listed above as well as car audio head units, notebook computers, HDTVs and computer monitors.
To find the nearest store location, visit http://www.radioshack.com/ and click on the store locator function. The RadioShack Trade-in program is also available online at www.RadioShack.com/tradein.

Gourdie-Fraser has an active recycling program, recycling electronics, paper and batteries. We invite you to join us!

Rural Housing Grants, Due July 10

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) announces that it is soliciting applications under its Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program. The HPG program is a grant program which provides qualified public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, which may include but not be limited to Faith-Based and Community Organizations, and other eligible entities grant funds to assist very low- and low-income homeowners in repairing and rehabilitating their homes in rural areas. In addition, the HPG program assists rental property owners and cooperative housing complexes in repairing and rehabilitating their units if they agree to make such units available to low- and very low-income persons. This action is taken to comply with Agency regulations found in 7 CFR part 1944, subpart N, which require the Agency to announce the opening and closing dates for receipt of preapplications for HPG funds from eligible applicants. The intended effect of this Notice is to provide eligible organizations notice of these dates.

Program deadline is July 10, please contact your GFA client rep if you're interested in learning more about this program!

Great Lakes Stewardship Grants, Due Mid-July

Stewardship initiative grants are available to increase awareness and understanding of the ecology of the Great Lakes so that Michigan’s residents become (1) active and effective stewards of the Great Lakes and (2) advocates for strategies that support the long-term sustainability of the Great Lakes fisheries. Efforts can include place or community based education, professional development for K-12 teachers, and K-12 school community partnerships.

Contact your GFA client rep for more information!


Photo: US EPA GLNPO

Waterfront Wastewater Solutions

Over the years we've become accustomed to working in some pretty challenging terrain when it comes to waterfront wastewater treatment. Our rolling topography and miles of waterfront make this a great place to live, but are less than ideal when it comes to wastewater treatment.


The system shown at right (during installation) is a good example. The home sits below the road, on an inland lake. There is a relatively steep incline up to the road. Our tandem design-operations team devised a system that placed the collection portion of the system (the tank) by the home, and one of our specialty underground drip dispersal systems among the trees on the incline for the effluent dispersal. This takes the effluent away from the immediate shore of the lake while preserving the property's look and feel.


However, it is not enough to just develop a good design. The system must be properly installed and operated if it is going to function as intended. So we've taken the next step and now provide all the services you need for systems such as these: site evaluations, design, permitting,
installation, and operations.
If the home
is a seasonal one, we also offer yearly
startup-shutdown services. The team includes NSF-accredited wastewater inspectors, operators experienced in both large plants and individual residential systems and close relationships with ATU manufacturers and suppliers. If you own waterfront property or your municipality includes waterfront areas with questionable septic system performance, contact us (jborchert@gourdiefraser.com) for a site assessment/evaluation. There are many options available to you!

Fire Station Grants, July 2009

Fire Station Construction Grant

Total Funding Available: $210 million

Key Dates: FEMA is expected to issue grant guidance in June or July 2009, with grant applications due in July or August 2009. Grants are expected to be awarded September through December 2009.

Program Information: The Recovery Act provides funds through competitive grants to modify, upgrade, or construct non-federal fire stations. State and local fire companies are eligible to apply. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will administer these infrastructure grants to fire departments.

Grant Information: FEMA has not yet released any further details on these grants. It is likely they will administer the program in a similar fashion to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).

Please contact your GFA client rep for more information!

Rural Cooperative grants, Due June 29

Rural Cooperative Development grants are made for establishing and operating centers for cooperative development for the primary purpose of improving the economic condition of rural areas through the development of new cooperatives and improving operations of existing cooperatives. The U.S. Department of Agriculture desires to encourage and stimulate the development of effective cooperative organizations in rural America as a part of its total package of rural development efforts.

The maximum award is $200,000, local match of 25% is required, and grants will be awarded on or before September 15. Local match can be cash or in-kind contributions. Projects must be completed in one year's time.

Please contact your GFA client rep if you are interested in applying!

Rural System Energy Audit Grants, Due June 9

Rural Energy for America Program Grants/Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assist (REAP/EA/REDA)

This notice announces the request for grant applications from units of State, tribal or local government, land-grant colleges, universities, or other institutions of higher education (including 1994 Land Grant (Tribal Colleges) and 1890 Land Grant Colleges and Historically Black Universities), rural electric cooperatives, and public power entities to provide energy audits and renewable energy development assistance for agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Due date is June 9, 2009.

The REAP/EA/REDA Grant Program will provide grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. How much are the grants?The grants are awarded on a competitive basis and can be up $100,000. Recipients of an energy audit are required to pay at least 25% of the cost of the audit.

Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible entities include a unit of State, tribal, or local government; institutions of higher education; rural electric cooperatives; or a public power entity. The program is design to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses.

What types of projects are eligible?
Energy audits and renewable energy development assistance will allow agriculture producers and rural small businesses to become more energy efficient and use renewable technologies.For all projects, the system must be located in a rural area, must be technically feasible, and must be owned by the applicant.

Contact your GFA client if you are interested in applying by June 9!

MDEQ Pollution Prevention Grants Due June 1

Michigan Community Pollution Prevention Grant Announcement - application deadline June 1, 2009

GRANT DESCRIPTION: A total of $200,000 in funding is available through the Michigan Community Pollution Prevention (P2) Grant Program to implement P2 at healthcare facilities across the State of Michigan. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) will provide matching grants to hospitals, clinics, local health departments, municipalities, and regional planning agencies to fund P2 at healthcare facilities. The goal of the Community P2 Grant Program is to promote local P2 initiatives that foster partnerships and sustainability. Requests for funding will be accepted from May 01, 2009 - June 01, 2009.

The Community P2 Grant Program seeks to bring local government, businesses, planning agencies, and residents together to create change through P2. This grant seeks to address waste reduction in healthcare.
Preference will be given to projects that include community-based coalitions. Projects should be transferable, and act as models to be shared by other institutions across the state.

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT: Michigan has a long history of effectively providing sound protection of its natural resources through the development and implementation of environmental programs. There are many P2 opportunities available at healthcare facilities. This grant request will focus on the following P2 opportunities:
Handling of solid, hazardous and universal waste;
Janitorial and food services;
Laundry operations;
Purchasing;
Handling of surgical and pharmaceutical wastes;
Electronic waste disposal;
Composting;
Heating and cooling;
Energy and water usage; and
Environmentally Preferred Purchasing - Purchasing environmentally friendly medical supplies, cleaners, office supplies, and building materials.

A P2 healthcare form will also be developed to help grantees and the MDEQ track waste reductions. Completion of a P2 reporting form is a requirement of the Community P2 Grant Program. The P2 reporting forms will be due quarterly.
Preventing pollution carries a wide array of benefits to both healthcare providers and the communities they are located. Cost savings and improved public and environmental health are among those key benefits.

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS: Hospitals, clinics, healthcare providers, local health departments, municipalities, and regional planning agencies are eligible to receive funding.

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES: The proposal should outline how your organization will implement P2 practices including:
Pharmaceutical waste collections;
Environmentally Preferred Purchasing - Purchasing environmentally friendly cleaners, office supplies, and building materials;
Solid Waste Reduction - Waste handling, recycling, and reuse;
Medical, Hazardous and Universal Waste Reductions;
Electronic Waste Reduction;
Energy Conservation - Use of energy efficient lighting, appliances, and etc.;
House Keeping P2 - Reduction of hazardous cleaning products; and
Water Conservation - Implementation of water conservation practices.
The applicant must review the proposal with the MDEQ, Office of Pollution Prevention and Compliance Assistance (OPPCA), Field Services Unit staff, prior to submitting the proposal.

AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS: A total of $200,000 in funding is available. The match requirement, of at least 25 percent, has been established by law. The maximum dollar amount requested should be based upon what is needed to carry out the identified tasks and products. Total grant fund requests must be no larger than $24,900; however, local match expenditures can bring total grant expenditures over the $24,900 limit (state grant, $24,900 + local match, $8,300 = $33,200. Project contracts can run for one or two years and will be on a cost-reimbursement basis. Requests for funding will be accepted from May 01, 2009 - June 01, 2009.

MATCHING REQUIREMENTS: Organizations receiving grants are required to match total project costs by at least 25 percent. Grantee contributions may include dollars, in-kind goods and services, and/or third party contributions.

DUE DATE: Proposals are due no later than June 01, 2009.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact Mr. Michael Young, 989-894-6238, or you can download the Request for Proposal from the Internet at: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-oppca-communityp2-2009-rfp_276104_7.pdf

Information courtesy of MDEQ website

Upcoming funding opportunities for alternative fuel projects

$480 Million Solicitation for Integrated Pilot- and Demonstration-Scale Biorefineries
Projects selected under this Funding Opportunity Announcement will work to validate integrated biorefinery technologies that produce advanced biofuels, bioproducts, and heat and power in an integrated system, thus enabling private financing of commercial-scale replications.
DOE anticipates making 10 to 20 awards for refineries at various scales and designs, all to be operational in the next three years. The DOE funding ceiling is $25 million for pilot-scale projects and $50 million for demonstration scale projects.
These integrated biorefineries will reduce dependence on petroleum-based transportation fuels and chemicals. They will also facilitate the development of an "advanced biofuels" industry to meet the federal Renewable Fuel Standards.

Demonstration of Integrated Biorefinery Operations, Application Deadline May 29.

Advanced Water Power, Deadline June 4
The three Topic Areas are: 1. Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy Conversion Device or Component Design and Development 2. Marine and Hydrokinetic Site-specific Environmental Studies/Information 3. Advanced Water Power Market Acceleration Projects/Analysis and Assessments In addition a parallel Program Announcement (PA) directed at Department of Energy Laboratories to address technical challenges in water power development, as well as market acceptance barriers has been issued.

Biomass Research and Development Initiative, Application Deadline June 11
The purpose of the Initiative is to competitively award grants to eligible entities to carry out research on and development and demonstration of
(A): biofuels and biobased products; and
(B) the methods, practices and technologies, for the production of biofuels and biobased products. Project Description DOE and USDA/CSREES are, therefore, seeking pre-applications to address the Technical Areas as set out in Section 9008 of the FCEA. The Technical Areas defined in the FCEA are the only eligible topic areas under this FOA.

The Technical Areas are: (A) FEEDSTOCKS DEVELOPMENT Research, development, and demonstration activities regarding feedstocks genetic, and feedstock logistics (including the harvest, handling, transport, preprocessing, and storage) relevant to production of raw materials for conversion to biofuels and biobased products.
(B) BIOFUELS AND BIOBASED PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENT. Research, development, and demonstration activities to support (i) the development of diverse cost-effective technologies for the use of cellulosic biomass in the production of biofuels and biobased products; and (ii) product diversification through technologies relevant to production of a range of biobased products (including chemicals, animal feeds, and cogenerated power) that potentially can increase the feasibility of fuel production in a biorefinery.
(C) BIOFUELS DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS.
(i) STRATEGIC GUIDANCE. Development of analysis that provides strategic guidance for the application of renewable biomass technologies to improve sustainability and environmental quality, cost effectiveness, security, and rural economic development.
(ii) ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. Development of systematic evaluations of the impact of expanded biofuel production on the environment (including forest land) and on the food supply for humans and animals, including the improvement and development of tools for life cycle analysis of current and potential biofuels.
(iii) ASSESSMENT OF FEDERAL LAND. Assessments of the potential of Federal land resources to increase the production of feedstocks for biofuels and biobased products, consistent with the integrity of soil and water resources and with other environmental considerations. Detailed descriptions and desired outcomes of each topic are found in Appendix C. Research, Development, or Demonstration projects will be considered for all Technical Areas.

Contact your GFA client rep for more information on preparing applications for these grant programs!

Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings

According to a post in the Environmental Leader yesterday, Energy Star-qualified commercial building designs have increased by 60%, as 75 new commercial building design projects became Energy Star qualified.

One of the projects, the Lenox Hotel in Boston implemented multiple measures to achieve qualification, including:

• 610+ low energy windows
• Super-efficient boilers and heat pumps
• ENERGY STAR office equipment, and televisions
• Motion sensors for lighting in intermittent or low-traffic areas
• An ozone laundry system, avoiding the use of hot water and cleaning chemicals
• Thousands of Compact and Fluorescent bulbs (saves 58,000 kilowatts each year)
• Motion sensors on vending machines (saves an additional 21,000 kilowatts per year).
  
  Note: the last two initiatives alone remove 52 tons of CO2 from of the atmosphere each year!

Saunders Hotel Group is now evaluating solar hot water technology for their Comfort Inn & Suites property - if it is feasible and effective.

How the ROI of the Upgrades

Motion sensors in storage areas/closets, Approx. $500, Payback 1 year, In Engineering budget
Compact Fluorescent Chandelier Bulbs, $5,000, Payback 8 months, In Engineering budget
Separate meter for cooling tower, N/A, Payback 1-3 years, Financed in combination of water utility and Engineering budget

A tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot is available to owners or designers of new or existing commercial buildings that save at least 50% of the heating and cooling energy of a building that meets ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001. Partial deductions of up to $.60 per square foot can be taken for measures affecting any one of three building systems: the building envelope, lighting, or heating and cooling systems. These tax deductions are available for systems “placed in service” from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2013.
Take the ENERGY STAR Challenge to find the best opportunities for energy savings, set goals for improvement, and achieve superior energy efficiency.

IRS Notice 2006-52 (6/2/2006) provides guidance on deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings.
IRS Notice 2008-40 (4/7/2008) - Amplification of Notice 2006-52
Qualified Software for Calculating Energy Savings
Commercial Building Tax Deduction Coalition
For More Information:
Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP)
Energy Policy Act of 2005
IRS Guidance on the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (June 2006)
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 ("the Bailout Bill")
Signed October 3, 2008 by President Bush
Relevant sections are in DIVISION B, Sections 106 (25D) and 302 (25C)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the "Stimulus Bill")
Signed February 17, 2009 by President Obama
Relevant Sections are: DIVISION B, Sections 1103, 1121 (25C) and 1122 (25D)
Department of Energy Web site on Tax Incentives

Commercial Building Design Goals
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_bldg_design.new_bldg_design

Developing a Green Building Policy
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=green_buildings.green_buildings_index

Grants, School Food Service Equipment, Due May 29

The stimulus funding has many different elements, including a provision for additional foodservice equipment for schools. Priority is given to schools in which 50% or more students are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Applications must be submitted through MEGS by May 29!

Please see the links below for more information:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Governance/Policy-Memos/2009/SP_24-2009_os.pdf
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/ARRA_Equipment_Assistance_Grants_Superintendent_Memo_Announcement_03_23_09_271890_7.pdf

Phragmites

This invasive species is rapidly gaining a foothold along our shorelines, and is already overpowering the Saginaw Bay area. GFA's mapping specialists are available to work with species identification experts to help you prepare an accurate and comprehensive map of any current infestations along your shorelines. As a surveying contractor for the US Army Corps of Engineers, GFA also has the experience to assist you in preparing survey and mapping information that may be required by USACE permits.

Beaver Island has put together a very good video on the topic, which you may view here:
http://www.peaine.org/environment/phragmites/video/

The MDEQ website has a page on phragmites control and management:
http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3677_8314-178183--,00.html
If you are planning on chemical treatment, applications are due August 15.

A MDEQ workshop is scheduled for June 6 in Traverse City. If you are interested in GFA's phragmites mapping services, please contact Heather Brady, hhbrady@gourdiefraser.com.

Community Broadband Grants Due June 19

Attention Grant Seekers ~ Rural Development's Community Connect program is now accepting applications!

The purpose of the Community Connect Grant Program is to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants that will provide currently unserved areas, on a "community-oriented connectivity" basis, with broadband transmission service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care, and public safety services. Rural Utilities Service will give priority to rural areas that it believes have the greatest need for broadband transmission services.

Only entities legally organized as one of the following are eligible for Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance:
a. An incorporated organization,
b. An Indian tribe or tribal organization, as defined in 25 U.S.C. 450b(b) and (c),
c. A state or local unit of government,
d. A cooperative, private corporation or limited liability company organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis.

Individuals are not eligible for Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance directly.
Applicants must have the legal capacity and authority to own and operate the broadband facilities as proposed in its application, to enter into contracts and to otherwise comply with applicable federal statutes and regulations.

Please contact your client rep for more information about preparing an application!