USDA Invites Applications for Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Projects

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is seeking applications to provide assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Funding is available from USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today’s announcement is one part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

"The Obama Administration continues its commitment to help our nation become more energy independent by partnering with agricultural producers and rural small businesses as they build renewable energy systems and reduce energy usage," said Vilsack. "These investments will not only help our farmers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs, but also provide a new potential revenue source and stabilize their operations’ bottom lines."

REAP, authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, (Farm Bill) is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the Nation’s critical energy needs. USDA is accepting the following applications:

Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grant applications and combination grant and guaranteed loan applications until April 30, 2013;

Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan only applications until July 15, 2013;

Renewable energy system feasibility study grant applications through April 30, 2013.

More information on how to apply for funding is available in the March 29, 2013 Federal Register, pages 19183-19190.
USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as USDA implements sequestration – the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act. USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $700 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.

USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider, and lender

James "JP" Pendleton

Public Affairs Specialist | Montana State Office

Rural Development

United States Department of Agriculture

Phone: (406) 585-2587 | Fax: (406) 585-2565

[email protected]

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/mt | "Committed to the future of rural communities"