Energy

NICE³ GRANT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE THROUGH STATE ENERGY OFFICE

Going once, twice, three times NICE³ funds are now available to business and industry through the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR). NICE³ is a cost-sharing grant program that promotes industrial competitiveness through energy, environment, and economics.

DNR's energy program manager Paul Villemarette said the NICE³ grant program stimulates and encourages industry to take new and original measures to reduce waste and decrease energy consumption at their operational sites. Industrial firms and the state become partners on projects that develop and demonstrate advances in energy efficiency and clean production technologies, Villemarette said. To receive financial assistance in energy conservation and pollution-reduction processes, applications must be made to DNR's Technology Assessment/Energy Section, he said.

Grant recipients are eligible for up to $400,000 for proposed projects or a 45 percent cost match of the total project cost for up to three years. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy through the state's energy office.

The NICE³ program solicitation period opens August 1 and will close December 10, 1997. Potential proposers should submit a two-page summary of the features and outline of their proposal by July 1, 1997.

Interested companies seeking more information on the program or an application for the NICE³ grant can send e-mail to Paul Villemarette or contact him at (504) 342-8573.

Editors: For more information on this topic, please contact the DNR Public Information Office at (504) 342-8955.