USDA Announces Funding for Renewable Energy
Last week, the USDA announced funding for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The program is open to all agricultural producers and most rural business owners. Funds may be used for installation and construction of renewable energy systems and/or for making energy efficiency improvements to existing facilities. Grants are available for up to 25% of total project cost, and loan guarantees are available for up to 75% of total project cost. A combination of the two may not exceed 75%.
For more types of projects covered, application deadlines, and additional program details, visit the USDA’s REAP website or visit your USDA Rural Development office. A list of the location of your local office can be at the Iowa USDA Rural Development website. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition also has an excellent overview of the program.