USDA issued the final rule today for the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program (Farm Bill Section 9006). The rule includes a solicitation for applications for loan guarantees. USDA will make decisions about 2005 Loan Guarantees by August 31, 2005, so applications will need to be submitted well before that date. USDA earmarked half of the 2005 funds for grants and half for loan guarantees. Any money not used for loan guarantees will be rolled into grants.

Federal Register:
http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/fr-cont.html#Rur...ooperative%20Service
These rules are now final, which means that work can begin at any time on new applications. A summary of changes made since the draft rule was published last fall is included near the beginning of Federal Register Notice linked above.