Renewable Energy Enterprise Zone Program
The Idaho Office of Energy Resources (OER) is accepting grant proposals from Idaho cities and counties, in collaboration with renewable energy developers, to develop Renewable Energy Enterprise Zones (REEZ). $1.5 million has been earmarked from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for this competitive grant program.
This program will stimulate creation of local government partnerships to encourage renewable energy development. Successful proposals will bring communities and businesses together with strategies to promote long-term economic development through renewable energy industries and production. Idaho resources for renewable development include biogas, biomass, wind, geothermal, solar, and hydro.
Eligible activities for funding include renewable energy project feasibility studies and installations. Examples of the types of projects envisioned to be funded are studies to investigate the feasibility of a renewable energy production plant or a resource assessment where potential local sources of raw materials for renewable energy production are identified. Successful proposals may also include installation of anaerobic digestion at dairies, wood waste to energy projects, biofuels, and other renewable energy projects.
The minimum award under this grant will be $100,000 for zone projects and $20,000 for studies, assessments, and plans. It is anticipated that there will be between two to 20 awards under this grant. The deadline to submit proposals is 4:00 p.m. MST on Friday, October 30, 2009.
The Request for Proposal can be found here. ( 56KB PDF)
- Questions related to the proposal can be emailed to REEZProgram@oer.idaho.gov. Every attempt will be made to have answers posted within 5 working days. For responses to inquiries please click here. ( 44K B PDF)
- All laborers and mechanics on funded projects will be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar in the locality as determined by the Davis-Bacon Act, and Davis-Bacon notice and payment rules must be followed. View details on the required process.View the attachment to the OER contract that awardees must agree to OER Contract Attachment B. ( 96K B PDF)
- Federal funding requires compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
- The Green Energy Business Directory is a database of renewable energy development resources in Idaho. This searchable directory includes consultants and other renewable energy experts who can provide development advice to funding applicants. This directory has been developed and maintained by the Better Business Bureau and is available through the OER website.
- All awardees will be required to complete the Department of Energy Environmental Checklist. ( 81KB PDF)
- All projects requiring ground disturbing activities or that make changes to any building over 50-years old will likely require, at a minimum, approval from the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). View a list of consultants is provided here.