U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Indiana State Director, Dr. Terry Goodin, today announced that USDA is making $21 million in technical assistance grants available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses access federal funds for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements.
He went on to announce that USDA Rural Development Indiana state office will be allocated between $400,000 and $500,000 to award in a competitive process to providers of REAP technical assistance.
“The technical assistance grants announced today provide hands-on support to Hoosier farmers, ranchers and rural small business owners seeking federal funds for renewable energy systems, like wind and solar, and energy efficiency measures,” Goodin said, “These investments not only help producers and small businesses lower energy costs, but also access new markets and strengthen their operations.”
Eligible recipients for these grants include state, Tribal or local governments; colleges and universities; electric cooperatives and utility companies; and for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Recipients may use the funds to:
Help rural agricultural producers and small business owners apply for REAP funding.
Provide information on how business owners and agricultural producers can improve the energy efficiency of their operations and use renewable energy technologies and resources.
Conduct required energy assessments and audits.
Help agricultural producers and small business owners plan, build or develop renewable energy or energy efficiency projects.
USDA RD Indiana will give funding priority to applicants proposing to assist disadvantaged communities, applicants pursuing projects using underutilized technologies and applicants seeking grants under $20,000.
REAP is also part of the Justice40 Initiative, which is advancing environmental justice by ensuring that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments reach disadvantaged communities that are marginalized and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment.
The Department also encourages interested applicants to contact USDA Rural Development Indiana state office.
For additional information, see the July 13 Federal Register.
Inflation Reduction Act: Background
The Inflation Reduction Act helps to provide new funding and unprecedented incentives to expand clean energy, transform rural power production, create jobs and spur economic growth. It is the largest single investment in rural electrification since the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
Source: usda.gov
Photo Credit: USDA
Categories: Indiana, Energy