Commonwealth Financing Authority Updates Alternative Energy Guidelines

News provided by

Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development

Feb 11, 2013, 01:09 ET

Alternative/Clean Energy and High Performance Building Programs Open for Applications

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) has begun accepting applications under the newly approved program guidelines for the Alternative and Clean Energy (ACE) and High Performance Building (HPB) Programs designed to foster the development of clean energy projects and the construction of high performance buildings in Pennsylvania.

The new guidelines, published last week, make $97 million in ACE funding and $25 million in HPB funding available for projects.

"Governor Corbett is committed to streamlining government by making current economic development programs more user-friendly for the businesses that use them," DCED Secretary C. Alan Walker said. "The new program guidelines, which provide for more allowable expenses and broader eligibility requirements, make it easier for businesses to access the funding they need to create jobs and deploy clean energy technology throughout the state."

The Alternative and Clean Energy Program has increased the loan amounts for manufacturing firms to $40,000 for each new job created. In addition, the program now provides for funding of infrastructure associated with compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas fueling stations – and gives increased consideration to applicants that provide public access to those fueling stations.

Revised High Performance Building Program guidelines have broadened project eligibility and now provides for construction financing, which allows grant/loan recipients to apply for reimbursement of allowable construction expenses as they are incurred.

Applicants can begin applying under the new guidelines for the ACE Program and HPB Program through DCED's electronic single application system. For projects to be considered for funding, completed applications must be received 60 days prior to a scheduled CFA board meeting.

The ACE and the HPB Programs provide financial assistance in the form of grant and loan funds to foster the development of alternative, clean energy projects and the design, construction and renovation of high performance buildings in the commonwealth. The programs are administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Environmental Protection, under the direction of the CFA.

For more information about the Alternative and Clean Energy, High Performance Building Programs, and other CFA programs, visit www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contact: Theresa Elliott, 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development