USDA has more money for rural renewable energy projectsMar 05 -YellowBrixFarmers and rural small-business owners now can apply for resources to purchase and install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. The resources announced recently by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack are made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill. The USDA is making more than $280 million available to eligible applicants through the Rural Energy for America Program. Application deadlines vary by project type and the type of assistance requested. USDA is offering grants for up to 25 percent of total project costs and loan guarantees for up to 75 percent of total project costs for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. The REAP application window has been expanded. USDA will now accept and review loan and grant applications year-round. Eligible renewable energy projects must incorporate commercially available technology. This includes renewable energy from wind, solar, ocean, small hydropower, hydrogen, geothermal and renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters). The maximum grant amount is $500,000 , and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant. Energy efficiency improvement projects eligible for REAP money include lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, fans, automated controls and insulation upgrades that reduce energy consumption. The maximum grant amount is $250,000 , and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant. The REAP program was created in the 2002 Farm Bill. Congress reauthorized it in the 2014 Farm Bill with guaranteed appropriations. Since 2009, USDA has awarded $545 million for more than 8,800 REAP projects nationwide. Details on how to apply are available by contacting state Rural Development offices. Nebraska's Rural Development office in Lincoln is at the Federal Building , 100 Centennial Mall North , Suite 308. http://www.energycentral.com/functional/news/news_detail.cfm |