PARIS – Oxford County government is eligible for funding for alternative energy if it chooses to pursue it, a specialist with the United States Department of Agriculture told commissioners Tuesday.

John Sheehan, business and cooperative specialist with USDA Rural Development, said this is the first year that government entities may qualify for aid to pursue such projects. A pot of $25 million is available in 2009 for the Rural Energy for America Program. Sheehan said Congress is aiming to encourage alternative energy, and a new federal farm bill increases the number of renewable energy programs targeted at rural small businesses and agricultural producers from one to 11.

“Congress is really paying particular attention to energy, and this is one of the ways they’re trying to get dollars out there,” Sheehan said.

Renewable energy projects eligible for USDA funding include biomass, wind, solar and geothermal systems. Commissioner Caldwell Jackson of Oxford said he would like to see the county cut down on fuel use by switching to wood pellets from oil.

Sheehan said the county could apply for energy audits and feasibility studies to determine the best course of action. Commissioner Steve Merrill of Norway said he believed the county should pursue such an option.

The USDA can fund up to 25 percent of costs, with a minimum of $2,500 and maximum of $500,000 for renewable energy projects. The USDA can provide between $1,500 and $250,000 for energy efficiency projects that look to improve buildings or processes to reduce energy consumption.