A total of 100 rural small business and agriculture producers in Minnesota were assisted by funding through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) in 2013. Funding for 75 of these projects was recently announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Doug O’Brien announced funding for the first 25 projects back in August during his visit to Minnesota to advocate for a new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill at Minnesota’s 2013 IDEAg Farmfest show.
The 2013 REAP funding will provide $2.3 million to Minnesota-based rural small businesses and farmers who will then leverage personal funds and other incentives to construct $10 million worth of projects throughout the state. The total number of projects funded and total dollars awarded represent the second highest in the nation and reflect Minnesota’s continued success in securing REAP funds for the state’s applicants.
USDA Rural Development State Director Colleen Landkamer offers her congratulations to all 2013 recipients and all involved with the application process.
“From the willingness of small business owners and farmers to take on the project, to an effective application presented by intermediary grant writers and auditors, and onto the experienced staff at Rural Development; all of you contribute to the success of the REAP program in Minnesota,” Landkamer said.
Authorized by the now-expired 2008 Farm Bill, REAP helps rural small businesses and agriculture producers by providing a 25 percent cost-share grant for the construction of a renewable energy system or to make energy efficient improvements to existing equipment. The average grant per project was $23,350, however, projects ranged from a $4,000 energy efficient lighting grant to $385,000 for a large solar array. Additional recipients include the installation of small solar, geothermal heating systems, small wind turbines, efficient grain dryers and other building improvements that will help conserve energy. The total amount of energy saved and generated from the 100 projects equals the annual electric usage of about 1200 residents. View Minnesota’s list of recipients and REAP program summary.
Although the status for upcoming funding has not been secured, there will be a 2014 application cycle. Applications are accepted anytime, so interested parties should start the planning process as soon as possible.
