Vilsack announces USDA energy efficiency recipients
August 15, 2013 | 10:23 PM
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced funding for 631 projects across the nation intended to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce their energy consumption and costs, use renewable energy technologies and conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy projects.
The grants and loans are made available through the Agriculture Department’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which was authorized by the 2008 farm bill.
Farmers, ranchers, business owners and agriculture producers in 42 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico will receive funding. North Carolina got 45 projects, the highest of any state.
Under the terms of REAP, up to 25 percent of an eligible energy production or conservation project can be funded through a grant, and additional support can be provided in the form of a loan. Since the start of the Obama administration, REAP has helped fund nearly 7,000 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide, Vilsack said.
Today’s announcement includes almost $300,000 in grants to 19 agricultural producers and rural businesses to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems.
The grants and loans are made available through the Agriculture Department’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which was authorized by the 2008 farm bill.
Farmers, ranchers, business owners and agriculture producers in 42 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico will receive funding. North Carolina got 45 projects, the highest of any state.
Under the terms of REAP, up to 25 percent of an eligible energy production or conservation project can be funded through a grant, and additional support can be provided in the form of a loan. Since the start of the Obama administration, REAP has helped fund nearly 7,000 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide, Vilsack said.
Today’s announcement includes almost $300,000 in grants to 19 agricultural producers and rural businesses to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems.
