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 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.
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.
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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]
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