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The Portland Bureau of Environmental Services is re-opening for applications a program that offsets the price of installing eco-roofs. The city of Portland eco-roof program will start accepting applications April 1 for the sixth time since the program began in 2008.

The provides an incentive of up to $5 per square foot of an eco-roof project. According to the program website, eco-roof installation can cost between $5 and $20 per square foot. The program has funded 125 projects with 8.3 acres of eco-roofs in the city, according to Matt Burlin, the Outreach Coordinator for the program. Burlin said that there are 273 eco-roofs in Portland, on a range of commercial, residential and industrial properties. It’s an industry where demand is increasing, Burlin said.

“Things are moving forward despite the economic vacuum,” Burlin said. “When the economy turns around, this will be an industry with a lot of experience.”

To qualify for the incentive program, eco-roof projects should be within Portland city limits and manage storm water. Construction should start within two years of the project being approved for the incentive.

The application deadline is June 1.