Connecticut manufacturers are now eligible for new state funding of up to $50,000 for projects that save on energy use.

The $800,000 Energy on the Line program was unveiled Monday by the state Department of Economic and Community Development and Connecticut Green Bank. It can provide grants to encourage use of renewable energy or to improve on buildings' energy efficiency, and the funding is matched by more than $8 million in private money administered by the Connecticut Green Bank.

The program provides extra funding for manufacturers that are already involved in a green energy project using the Green Bank's Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy program. C-PACE is intended to fully finance green energy projects done by commercial property owners.

To apply for the program, which has a deadline of Sept. 16, visit www.EnergyOnTheLine.com.

-- Lee Howard