Sec. 776. There is hereby appropriated $3,000,000, to remain available until expended, for the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a new pilot program to support on-the-ground local Energy Circuit Riders who provide professional support to rural communities for the purpose of undertaking projects that save energy and reduce emissions: * Provided,* That for the purpose of the new pilot program, the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Rural Development, shall have the authority to provide amounts, including in the form of grants, cooperative agreements, and other financial assistance, to States, Indian Tribes, cooperative extension services, institutions of higher education, cooperatives and cooperative organizations, regional planning commissions or other public entities serving two or more rural areas: * Provided further,* That the period of performance under this pilot program shall be more than 3 but not more than 6 years: * Provided further,* That the Federal share shall not be more than 75 percent: * Provided further,* That an eligible entity using funds provided under the pilot program shall offer assistance with energy planning, energy audits, applicable Federal funding opportunities, tax incentives, project financing, grant writing, community-based capacity building, or applicable State, local, and utility-based incentives, including, as appropriate, coordinating with relevant State energy offices.

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