Today, in honor of Earth Day 2021, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Acting State Director Diana Smith announced that University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) is receiving a $100,000 USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant. USDA’s REAP Program helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements, and create jobs.
“We are pleased that ULL is working with USDA to help businesses make energy efficiency improvements to their operations,” said Smith. “The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding will be used to conduct 15 energy audits for rural small businesses and ag producers. ULL will collaborate with mechanical contractors and equipment distributors to recruit clients. They also intend to deliver face-to-face program introductions at events and workshops, attracting rural consumers and raising awareness of the REAP program.”
Smith’s announcement is in coordination with the recent announcement made in honor of Earth Day 2021 by Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson where he announced the USDA is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship. USDA is making the investments under the Water and Environmental Program, the Rural Energy for America Program, the Electric Loan Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.