Gov. Ed Rendell’s burst of state-wide grant offerings last week, $31.4 million for businesses that develop clean energy and alternative fuel projects, and $6.4 million towards the Keystone Innovation Zones (KIZ) will boost the region’s job growth and assist businesses, municipalities, and organizations in the development of greener technologies.
The alternative energy grants will be funded through Pennsylvania's three alternative energy development programs: $16.4 million through the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants program, $10 million through the Pa. Energy Development Authority and $5 million in Energy Harvest Grants. The programs are accepting applications now with deadline set for June 15th.
Gov. Rendell’s Energy Independence Strategy will save consumers $10 billion over the next 10 years and help create 13,000 new jobs by expanding the state’s clean energy business sector, says Rebecca Bagley, of the state Dept. of Community and Economic Development.
In addition, KIZ funding will launch new regional companies and attract faculty to the state's colleges, universities and medical centers. Two schools that received funds as part of the Greater Oakland KIZ are Carnegie Mellon University, $323,334, and University of Pittsburgh, $650,000. Robert Morris University, located in the Beaver County KIZ, received $75,000.
Writer: Debra Diamond Smit
Source: Janel Miller, Gov. Rendell’s office