ATLANTA – The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) recently announced it is launching the Georgia Agricultural Irrigation Motor (AIM) Program. State Representative Penny Houston (R-Nashville) praised this program as one that would help Georgia farmers become more energy-efficient, save money on fuel costs, and reduce emissions by providing farmers with a rebate to replace inefficient diesel irrigation engines with energy-efficient electric irrigation motors.
“Georgia farmers are some of the best stewards of this state’s land and this program makes energy-efficient equipment more accessible to them, which will help them save money on fuel costs,” said Rep. Houston. “I appreciate GEFA’s efforts to help make energy-efficient electric irrigation motors more affordable for Georgia farmers and hope that this rebate will help them realize significant long-term savings from their capital investment.”
The AIM rebates will cover 25 percent of eligible project costs, with a $10,000 maximum rebate available.
The application period for the program is currently open online at www.gefa.org. Available funding is limited and rebates will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The application period will close April 15, 2013, at 5:00 p.m.
Eligible electric irrigation motor conversion projects must take place in the state of Georgia, and must replace an in service diesel engine that is at least 10 years old. Rebates will not be provided for projects that have been completed prior to the start of this program. The project must be completed by a licensed contractor after notification of rebate approval from GEFA. The electric motor size should not exceed a maximum of two-thirds the size of the diesel engine it is replacing. The rebate will cover 25 percent of the cost of the project, including expenses associated with connecting the electric motor to the power meter, three-phase converters, and variable frequency drives. The rebate does not cover expenses payable to a power company.
GEFA is the lead agency for state energy programs. It directs the Georgia Land Conservation Program; maintains state-owned fuel storage tanks; and offers financing for reservoir and water supply, water quality, storm water and solid waste infrastructure. Since 1985, GEFA has approved financial commitments totaling more than $3 billion to local governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations.
For more information, please visit www.gefa.org.
Representative Penny Houston represents the citizens of District 170, which includes all of Berrien and Cook counties, and portions of Tift County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 1997, and is currently the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development. She also serves on the Banks & Banking, Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Economic Development & Tourism, and Ways & Means committees.
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