Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today invited applications for loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects.
These loan guarantees and grants are part of USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which was created under the 2008 Farm Bill and reauthorized under the 2014 Farm Bill. This notice seeks applications for Fiscal Year 2019 funding. The deadlines to apply for grants are Oct. 31, 2018, and April 1, 2019. Applications for loan guarantees are accepted year-round.
REAP helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption by purchasing and installing renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements in their operations. Eligible systems may derive energy from wind, solar, hydro-electric, ocean, hydrogen, geothermal or renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters).
Additional information about the program and how to apply for this funding is available on page 40216 of the Aug. 14, 2018, Federal Register. For more information in Nebraska, contact the Energy Coordinator Jeff Carpenter at 402-437-5554 or jeff.carpenter@ne.usda.gov.