U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Missouri Kyle Wilkens Thursday announced that USDA is making $21 million in technical assistance grants available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses access federal funds for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements.
“This funding is meant to ensure that rural communities get fair financial opportunities to make energy more affordable, create new economic opportunity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Wilkens said. “The investments made under this funding will not only help producers and small businesses lower energy costs, but also access new markets and strengthen their operations.”
Eligible recipients for these grants include state, tribal or local governments; colleges and universities; electric cooperatives and utility companies; and for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Recipients may use the funds to:
–Help rural agricultural producers and small business owners apply for REAP funding.
–Provide information on how business owners and agricultural producers can improve the energy efficiency of their operations and use renewable energy technologies and resources.
–Conduct required energy assessments and audits.
–Help agricultural producers and small business owners plan, build or develop renewable energy or energy efficiency projects.
USDA will give funding priority to applicants proposing to assist disadvantaged communities, applicants pursuing projects using underutilized technologies and applicants seeking grants under $20,000.
For additional information, see the July 13 Federal Register.
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