•August 21, 2019•
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Illinois State Director, Douglas Wilson today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding grants for projects in all states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to reduce energy costs for farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses and institutions.
“From renewable energy systems such as geothermal and solar arrays, to energy efficiency improvements including lighting upgrades and grain dryers, businesses and farms are saving energy and money through USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program”, Wilson said. “These investments in rural businesses help improve the rural economy, and when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Under today’s announcement, USDA is investing $9.3 million through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across the nation. Congress appropriated $50 million for REAP grants and loan guarantees in fiscal year 2019. USDA will make additional funding announcements in the REAP program in coming weeks.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.