USDA invites applications for loans and grants to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects
Up to $12.3 million in grants and $57.8 million in loan guarantees available

[May 12, 2014]  CHAMPAIGN, May 5, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture is seeking applications from rural small businesses and agricultural producers for funding to make energy efficiency improvements or to install renewable energy systems.

"Developing renewable energy presents an enormous economic opportunity for rural America,” Vilsack said. “This funding will help farmers, ranchers and rural small business owners incorporate renewable energy and energy efficiency technology into their operations, create jobs and help America become more energy independent.”

The funding is being provided through USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Investments from programs like REAP help support the true engine of America’s economic growth – a thriving middle class. REAP is one of many USDA programs and initiatives to support an expanded domestic energy economy. In addition to increased renewable energy production, USDA makes investments in the bioeconomy, supports new technologies, and energy efficiency improvements.

REAP is authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. It helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption. REAP also helps meet the Nation’s critical energy needs. For fiscal year (FY) 2014, USDA plans to award up to $12.3 million in grants and $57.8 million in loan guarantees. Additional REAP funds provided by the Farm Bill will be made available with a subsequent notice.

USDA is accepting applications for:

• Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement loan guarantee and grant combinations. July 7, 2014 is the deadline.
   
• Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grants. July 7, 2014 is the deadline.
   
• Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement loan guarantees. July 31, 2014 is the deadline.

Requests for grant funding may not exceed 25 percent of a project’s cost – either for stand-alone grant requests or for grants combined with loan guarantees.

Since the start of the Obama Administration, REAP has supported more than 8,200 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide. During this period, USDA has provided more than $264 million in grants and $212 million in loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small business owners for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.

In Fiscal Year 2013, Tim Ridgely of Parkersburg, IL received a REAP grant to assist in the funding of a solar photovoltaic project. Funds were used to install 90 solar panels on the 2,700 acre southeastern Illinois farm where he grows corn, soybeans and wheat and his son raises beef cattle. By adding those panels to the 72 he previously installed, Ridgely hopes to generate 100% of his electricity needs for the farm.

For information on how to apply for funding, please contact Mary Warren at [phone] or go to the May 5, 2014 Federal Register.

This 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.

President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.

[Text received; USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT ILLINOIS]

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