U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Vermont officials have announced a $46 million loan program that will be used to help Vermonters and small businesses improve energy efficiency.
Vilsack was joined by Democratic U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy and Governor Peter Shumlin at the announcement Friday.
Leahy's office says the project will be carried out by the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, which will provide long-term, low-interest loans to individuals, small businesses and town governments to support energy improvement projects, such as weatherization improvements, high efficiency lighting or conversion to renewable sources like consumer-scale solar power.
Officials say it's the USDA's largest Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program investment.
The USDA program has supported similar projects in Arkansas and North Carolina.
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