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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Millions of dollars are available in grant funds to help small and large businesses improve their energy efficiency.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is offering $11 million through the Energize Missouri Industries initiative. 

Those funds are available to a select group of industrial companies.  Qualifying applicants include plants, warehousing, and storage facilities.

Examples of projects are energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling, ventilation, and more.

“It’s not gonna pay for all of it but it does provide some incentive if an industrial plant is able to make some energy efficiency improvements and it will help them determine what should be done,” said Ameren UE Spokeswoman Annette Sweet, “The good thing with this program, although your gonna have to spend some money to be able to get the grant, this is probably a good time to do it because AmerenUE has an energy efficiency incentive program geared towards commercial customers as well.”

These funds are available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Applications must be submitted to the department by July 9th.   To apply click here.  You can also go to AmerenUE’s website to find out more information.