State Auditor Rob Sand is urging leaders in Iowa communities to apply for federal funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DoE) Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program. The ERA program is designed to support clean energy technologies and infrastructure upgrades in communities with fewer than 10,000 residents and provides up to $10 million in funding to selected communities that advance these technologies in rural areas, such as community-scale solar and wind fields and electric grid modernization. Large-scale projects that benefit a broader area or require multiple facilities can apply for up to $100 million through the program. This funding was allocated through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. According to Sand, this is an economical way for rural communities to upgrade or replace their aging energy infrastructures, build clean energy systems, and reduce energy costs. To apply for funding, interested communities must submit project concept papers by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 14, with the full application deadline on June 28. To begin the application process, visit www.energy.gov. Sand encourages all eligible communities in Iowa to take advantage of this opportunity to improve their energy systems and infrastructure.
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