REAP Funds Reducing Reliability on Oil
Vilsack announces recipients for energy audits, and renewable energy development assistance.
Compiled by staff
Published: Apr 2, 2012
USDA has selected for funding 10 projects nationwide to help rural small businesses and agricultural producers reduce energy consumption and implement renewable energy technologies. The funding will be made available through the Rural Energy for America Program. Overall, through REAP, USDA has partnered with more than 13,000 of America's farmers, ranchers and rural businesses to save energy and improve their bottom line by installing renewable energy systems and energy efficiency solutions.
"For the first time in 13 years, imported oil accounts for less than 50% of the oil consumed in America," Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said. "That is because we are producing more domestically, using more alternative fuels, and using less energy through energy efficiency efforts. USDA will continue to help make America more energy efficient, and in doing so, more competitive by encouraging rural small businesses to continue to build renewable energy systems."
Rural Development's REAP program is providing funding for rural energy projects. REAP loan guarantees and grants can be used for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements; and grants for feasibility studies, renewable energy development assistance and energy audits. Funding of each recipient is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions for the grant. The following is a complete list of award recipients announced today.
The projects chosen for funding are:
Arizona - Navajo Tribal Utility Authority; $100,000 grant.
Colorado - Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association, Inc.; $50,000 grant
Florida - Talquin Electric Cooperative, Inc.; $100,000 grant
Georgia - University of Georgia; $100,000 grant
Kentucky - University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.; $100,000 grant
Maine - Greater Portland Council of Governments; $80,000 grant
- Maine Community College System; $100,000 grant
Oregon - Oregon Department of Energy; $100,000 grant
Washington - Washington State University; $90,000 grant
Wisconsin - Dairyland Power Cooperative; $60,000 grant
Click here for more information on the REAP program.
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