Ag secretary announces project funding

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced funding for 631 projects across the nation that will help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce their energy consumption and costs, use renewable energy technologies in their operations and/or conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy projects. Grant and loan funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which is authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill.  With this announcement, USDA is making investments of more than $21 million in energy projects nationwide.  Despite budget uncertainties, USDA remains focused on strengthening the rural economy.
“Rural Development is pleased to offer funding through the REAP program to 17 Texas recipients,” said Rural Development State Director, Paco Valentin. “By reducing energy costs, these businesses become more competitive, allowing them to expand, create jobs and serve a larger rural population.”
Seventeen recipients throughout Texas will utilize over $750,000 of awarded funding to make energy efficient upgrades and improvements through a variety of ways. From energy efficient improvements to poultry houses, to installation of photovoltaic solar systems and energy efficient lighting, to the replacement of existing engines with electric motors, businesses throughout Texas will use their grants to modernize their facilities with energy saving devices and equipment.  Under the terms of REAP, up to 25 percent of an eligible energy production or conservation project can be funded through a grant, and additional support can be provided in the form of a loan.  Since the start of the Obama Administration, REAP has helped fund nearly 7,000 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide.
 

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