U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Texas State Director Lillian Salerno announced that USDA is accepting applications starting on April 1 for $1 billion in grants to help agricultural producers and rural small business invest in renewable energy-efficiency improvements.
USAD is making the grants available under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“Supporting renewable energy and energy-saving systems helps the people of rural Texas create thriving, livable communities,” said Salerno.
“Supporting renewable energy and energy-saving systems helps the people of rural Texas creating thriving, livable communities,” said Salerno, :When we invest in rural communities, we are supporting hard work that creates a better future for our state.”
Recipients may use REAP funds to install renewable energy systems or to make energyefficiency improvements.
Eligible applicants include rural small businesses and agricultural producers.
Recipients may use REAP funds to install renewable energy systems or to make energyefficiency improvements.
Eligible applicants include rural small businesses and agricultural producers.
USDA will hold competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. The funding will also include the creation of the first underutilized technology fund in the REAP program, with $144.5 million available in dedicated funding.
USDA is particularly interested in REAP projects that will help rural communities recover economically through more and better marketing opportunities and improved infrastructure, reduce climatepollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change, conserve and protect farmland, and invest in underserved communities. Complete applications must be received by June 30 to compete FY funding.