Funding to allow rural small businesses and agriculture producers to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy is now available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack opened funding availability for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) on Tuesday.
“Renewable energy production represents a promising revenue source for America’s producers while meeting the nation’s need for new sources of renewable energy,” Vilsack said. “These grants will help encourage the development of viable renewable energy projects across the nation and help small business owners, farmers, ranchers and agriculture producers conduct feasibility studies that identify renewable energy opportunities.”
Eligible feasibility studies for renewable energy systems include projects that will produce energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro power and hydrogen-based sources.
The energy to be produced includes heat, electricity or fuel. For all projects, the system must be located in a rural area, must be technically feasible and must be owned by the applicant.
Under this notice, USDA is making $3 million available to conduct feasibility studies. Grants are limited to $50,000 per study and the application deadline is October 5, 2010. The funding announced today is authorized under the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.
On the Web:
REAP grants:
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapGrants.html
Matthew Clark can be reached at matthew.clark@morningsun.net or at 620-231-2600, Ext. 140
