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For Immediate Release
November 18, 2009
Contact: Arnie Kriner
1-800-443-5772 or 570-322-6457

Three 23rd District Businesses Receive DEP Grants

(WILLIAMSPORT)  The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded several Small Business Energy Efficiency grants to area businesses, according to Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock.

According to DEP, the program was created as part of the Alternative Energy Investment Act of 2004.  It provides a 25 percent reimbursement grant, up to a maximum of $25,000, which allows Pennsylvania small businesses to purchase certain pieces of equipment that will assist them in lowering their energy bills.  Other requirements include being a Pennsylvania based or facility located in the Commonwealth and employing less than 100 people.

Yaw said the three area businesses receiving funding include:

• Selectrim Corporation of Lycoming County will receive $10,705 to buy and install a geothermal heat pump, including a three well closed-loop circulation system;
• Lewisburg Builders Supplies is slated to receive $6,144 to purchase and install energy-efficient lighting to conserve energy;
• The McNeal Farm in Bradford County will receive $5,024 to purchase and install high-efficiency lighting, a water heater vacuum pump controller and compressor to save on its energy use.

In other grant news from DEP, Dushore Borough, Sullivan County, will receive $1,058 under the Recycling Performance Grant Program.  This amount is based on collecting 62.8 tons of recycled material for the calendar year 2007.  This program is designed to promote recycling in Pennsylvania.

Finally, under the Volunteer Loan Assistance Program, the North Towanda Fire and Rescue Volunteers will receive a $44,309 loan to use toward refinancing debt on the purchase of a 2008 Badger Special Series Tanker.