The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is inviting grant applications from organizations to provide hands-on assistance to agricultural producers applying for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding, which will lower energy costs and make energy efficiency improvements in rural areas. $16 million is being made available through the REAP Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program to provide additional support to farmers, ranchers and rural small business owners seeking REAP funds.
Eligible recipients for these grants include state, Tribal or local governments; colleges and universities; electric cooperatives and utility companies; and for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Recipients may use the funds to:
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Help rural agricultural producers and small business owners apply for REAP funding.
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Provide information on how business owners and agricultural producers can improve the energy efficiency of their operations and use renewable energy technologies and resources.
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Conduct required energy assessments and audits.
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Help agricultural producers and small business owners with planning construction and development of renewable energy or energy efficiency projects.
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Assist with the completion of environmental reports and/or documentation required for submittal of applications.
Applications must be submitted by March 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. For additional information and submission details, see page 12815 of the Feb. 20 Federal Register here.
For more information, contact RCRC Policy and Local Assistance Manager, Eric Will.