A funding opportunity that helps improve access to renewable energy systems in rural areas was highlighted during the Solarize Northern Indiana Workshop that was held in Plymouth this week.
United States Department of Agriculture representative Melissa Christiansen discussed the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
She noted that it is a grant opportunity provided through the USDA that helps cover up to 25 percent of total eligible project costs. She went on to describe what the grant covers.
She explained, “The purpose is for renewable energy systems but it can also be for energy efficiency improvements. You can only apply for one renewable energy project and one energy efficiency project each year.”
Christiansen also discussed what it would take to be eligible for the program.
She noted, “The only people that are eligible for this are Ag producers or small businesses and it’s to help you be more efficient in energy and reduce your costs.”
She added that an Ag producer must have at least 51 percent of their income come from farming and the business has to be a ‘for-profit’ business that is technically classified as a small business.
If you have any additional questions, Christiansen can be reached by calling 574-772-3066, Ext. 125 or by sending an email to melissa.christiansen@usda.gov
Christiansen’s portion of the workshop, as well as other details provided Tuesday night will be featured on MAX 98.3 FM this Sunday at noon during our Maximum Impact program.
