The USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is seeking applications from rural small businesses and agricultural producers for funding to make energy-efficiency improvements or to install renewable energy systems. For fiscal year 2014, the USDA plans to award up to $12.3 million in grants and $57.8 million in loan guarantees.
The agency is accepting applications for grants, guaranteed loans, and combined grants and guaranteed loans for the development and construction of renewable energy systems, including anaerobic digesters,and for energy efficiency improvement projects.
Grant Applications and combined grant and guaranteed loan applications are due by July 7. Guaranteed loan only applications will be accepted on a continual basis, but must be submitted by July 31 to compete for FY 2014 funding.
In addition to helping to increase renewable energy production, USDA makes investments in the bioeconomy, provides support for the emerging bio-based products industry,encourages use of new technologies and supports energy efficiency improvements.
REAP funding is an example of the many ways that USDA is helping revitalize rural economies to create opportunities for growth and prosperity, support innovative technologies, identify new markets for agricultural producers and better utilize our nation's natural resources.
Additional informationabout how to apply for REAP funding is available on page 25564 of the May 5, 2014 Federal Register. PD
—From EPA-AgStar news release
