Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is seeking applications to provide assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to complete a variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Funding is available from USDAs Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill).
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the Nations critical energy needs. For 2012, USDA has approximately $25.4 million budget authority available to fund REAP activities, which will support at least $12.5 million in grant and approximately $48.5 million in guaranteed loan program level awards. USDA is accepting the following applications:
Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grant applications and combination grant and guaranteed loan applications until March 30, 2012; renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan only applications on a continuous basis up to June 29, 2012;
Renewable energy system feasibility study applications through March 30, 2012; and energy audits and renewable energy development assistance applications through February 21, 2012.
This funding is an example of the 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 nations natural resources. More information on how to apply for funding is available in the January 20, 2012 Federal Register, pages 2948 through 2954.
USDA, through its Rural Developments programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers, and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. For further information on REAP programs in Colorado contact Janice Pond, Energy Coordinator, (720) 544-2907, [email protected] or visit the web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/co.
