U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced an investment of over $120 million in 541 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) projects across 44 states.
Through the REAP program, USDA provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs.
The REAP program is part of the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
In Idaho, Boulder Creek Oz LLC, 378 Emerson Lane, Bonners Ferry, will purchase and install a biomass furnace to provide additional heat to their cabins and mountain lodging facilities . This project is expected to save more than $3,800 per year. It will replace more than 3,700 kWh, which is approximately 94% of the energy use per year.
Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $1.8 billion through REAP in over 6,000 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will help rural business owners’ lower energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen their resiliency of operations.
USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through September 30, 2024. The funding includes a dedicated portion for underutilized renewable energy technologies.
To learn more or apply, click here.