Kane County staff announced that applications are open for a farmer weatherization rebate program established by a June resolution and funded with $20,000 from the county’s electric irrigation fund.

"This is $20,000 from the electric irrigation fund that will be put towards offering rebates up to $800 to Kane County farmers who weatherize their home," Austin (last name not provided), the county program lead, told the Agriculture Committee. Eligible farmers may receive up to $800 for either attic insulation or air-sealing measures; applicants must live in the county and verify that they are a farmer.

The county is partnering with the Kane-DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District to administer the rebates. Austin said the application portal went live the day of the meeting and that one farmer had already expressed interest. He cautioned that the initial transfer of funds from the county aggregation fund to the district could delay the first disbursements by about a month, but subsequent approved applications should be processed within five to 12 days.

The county provided online guidance on qualification, including information on related federal tax credits and other rebate programs that may increase total household savings for weatherization projects.

Ending: County staff urged eligible farmers to review the application materials online and schedule an appointment to apply; staff will begin processing applications as funds become available.