USDA Accepts Applications for
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
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[January 16, 2023]
USDA is making $300 million available under the Rural
Energy for America Program (REAP) to expand renewable energy and
support energy-efficiency projects for people living in rural
America. This funding includes $250 million provided by the
Biden-Harris Administration’s historic legislative package known as
the Inflation Reduction Act.
USDA Rural Development is in a unique position to make climate-smart
investments in rural infrastructure. The Inflation Reduction Act
represents the largest ever federal investment in clean energy for
the future. This historic funding will strengthen our energy
security, create good-paying jobs, and save Americans money on their
energy costs.
USDA is seeking applications for Fiscal Year 2023 funding. Two
significant changes to this additional funding include an increase
in the maximum Federal grant share from 25% to 40% of total project
cost and an increase of maximum grant amounts from $250,000 to
$500,000 for energy efficiency projects and an increase from
$500,000 to $1,000,000 for renewable energy systems. Projects in
underserved areas are prioritized for funding under this notice.
Agricultural producers and rural small businesses are eligible
applicants for loan guarantees and grants to develop renewable
energy systems and to make energy efficiency improvements.
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State and local governments,
federally-recognized tribes, land-grant colleges or universities
or other institutions of higher education, rural electric
cooperatives, public power entities, and Resource Conservation &
Development Councils (as defined in 16 USC §3451) are eligible
applicants for grants to conduct energy audits and provide
development assistance.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact their local USDA
Rural Development State Energy Coordinator well in advance of
the application deadlines to discuss their project and ask any
questions about the REAP program or the application process.
Additional information on the required materials and how to
apply for the REAP program are available on page 77059 of the
Dec. 16, 2022,
Federal Register.
If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates,
visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
[Callie Heidbreder
Rural Energy Coordinator] |