21 May 2010 – On 26 April 2010, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is accepting applications for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants and loan guarantees. REAP (Section 9007 of the 2008 Farm Bill) provides incentives for the development/construction of rural renewable energy projects, such as anaerobic digester projects. USDA is expected to issue soon a notice to solicit applications to support feasibility studies for these types of projects also.
REAP renewable energy grants can provide up to 25 percent of eligible project costs, up to $500,000. Loan guarantees or grant and loan guarantee combinations are capped at 75 percent of eligible project costs. More details are available in the Federal Register at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-9580.htm or on the USDA Web site www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill.
Application materials may be obtained by contacting one of USDA Rural Development’s Energy Coordinators, which are listed at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/EnergyCoordinatorList.doc. Applications are due on 30 June 2010. Applicants are encouraged to submit as soon as possible to improve their chances of success.
