DNR offers financial aid to disaster areas

Federally designated disaster areas hit by this spring’s severe storms and tornadoes can apply for loans of up to $500,000. The loans are offered through the state’s Energy Revolving Fund and administered through DNR’s Energy Center.

DNR staff will visit with affected city and county officials to discuss how the department can help with rebuilding efforts.

The loans can be used to improve the energy-efficiency of buildings owned by a city, county, school district or higher education entity. Funds also can be put toward adding or replacing energy systems such as furnaces, boilers and air conditioners.

“These loans will not only help communities repair schools and public buildings, but it will help them do so in a way that is friendly to the environment and saves them money on future energy bills,” said Doyle Childers, DNR director, in a news release. “This loan financing can help make sure restored or rebuilt buildings are better than ever.”

Loan-eligible counties are Pemiscot, Bates, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Cedar, Christian, Greene, Henry, Hickory, Howard, Iron, Lawrence, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Perry, Pettis, Putnam, Randolph, Saline, St. Clair, Vernon, Webster and Wright.

This story originally appeared in SBJ’s May 17 free e-news Daily Update. Click here to register.