State investments for Pike energy efficiency

HARRISBURG — Small businesses that invest in energy efficiency and cutting wasteful pollution will garner long-term advantages by reducing expenses and protecting themselves against spiking energy costs in the future, Governor Ed Rendell said Monday. The Governor announced that 81 businesses statewide will use more than $454,000 in state investments to purchase equipment that will increase energy efficiency or prevent pollution while adding to profitability. The grants are being made available through the state’s Small Business Advantage program. Two of those are located in Pike County. Excavator, Charles H. Worzel, Jr. of Shohola was awarded $5,070 for an auxiliary power unit in long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers; and Camping Management Corporation of Greeley got $2,354 for LED lighting on their buildings. Small businesses in Pennsylvania can find other sources of financial and technical assistance through the Department of Environmental Protection’s Small Business Assistance Program. The Pollution Prevention Assistance Account provides loans of up to $100,000 at 2 percent interest for projects that reduce waste, pollution or energy use. Environmental assistance services are available through the Small Business Ombudsman and its partner organizations. For more information on these and other small business programs, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Grant and Loan Programs.