Rural Development
4440 NW 25th Place
Gainesville, FL, 32606
Voice 352.338.3419
Email: michelle.m.jacobs@fl.usda.gov
Contact:
Michelle Jacobs, (352) 338-3419
USDA Seeks Applications for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Guaranteed Loans and Grants
DAVENPORT, FLA., Oct. 15, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications from rural small businesses and agricultural producers for
guaranteed loans and grants to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Funding is available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
REAP funding may be used by eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and to make energy efficiency improvements.
Eligible renewable energy systems include those that produce energy from wind, solar, renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters), ocean, geothermal, hydrogen derived from renewable
resources, and small hydroelectric systems. Examples of energy efficiency projects include, but are not limited to: the installation of more energy efficient motors, pumps, fans, blowers,
compressors, grain dryers, irrigation projects, refrigeration units, ventilation systems, windows, heating systems, lighting systems, and insulation upgrades that reduce energy consumption. The REAP
grants can pay up to 25% of the total project cost.
REAP applications are accepted continuously, and the next funding deadline for grants of $20,000 and less is Nov. 2, 2015. Grant funding is very competitive in Florida. Interested applicants
are encouraged to contact our office to discuss their potential projects prior to applying. For additional information, also see page 60349 of the October 6 Federal Register.
Additional information about USDA Rural Development energy programs can be obtained by contacting the Agency’s Davenport office at 863-420-4833, extension 118. Individuals
may also call the Rural Development State Office at 352-338-3412 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/fl.
REAP was created in the 2002 Farm Bill and reauthorized in the 2014 Farm Bill with guaranteed funding of no less than $50 million nationwide annually for the duration of the five-year bill.
Through this program, USDA has supported nearly 11,000 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide since the start of the Obama Administration, providing more than $367 million
in grants and $354 million in loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small business owners.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing,
community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s
investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.
LaTasha Thomas Pace|Area Specialist
Rural Development
United States Department of Agriculture
2629 Waverly Barn Road, Suite 129 | Davenport, Fl 33897
Phone: (863) 420-4833; ext. 104| Fax: (855) 474-8230
www.rd.usda.gov/fl | “Committed to the future of rural communities”
Stay Connected with USDA:
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Tell us what you think! Please use common sense and good judgement. Comments will be moderated if necessary.