In celebration of Earth Day 2016, USDA announces grant to help ag producers and rural small businesses protect the environment with clean energy
USDA Rural Development announces, in celebration of Earth Day 2016, that Panhandle RC&D Inc. in Scottsbluff, Nebraska is the recipient of $40,000 from the Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audits – Renewable Energy Development Assistance (EA-REDA), matched by $20,000 from the recipient.
“Panhandle RC&D, through its energy audits, will help our small businesses and agricultural producers reduce their energy usage. As energy needs grow, the audits will identify opportunities for energy efficiency and help to reduce costs and energy demand,” said Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul, USDA Rural Development.
The Panhandle RC&D is turning its focus to helping rural small businesses and agricultural producers identify ways to reduce energy costs and consumption by providing energy audits. The audits can be used for applying for grants and loans through the Rural Energy for America Program. The Panhandle RC&D will provide energy audits to rural small businesses and agricultural producers located in the Nebraska Panhandle.
“The Panhandle RC&D is excited to offer these audits to small businesses and ag producers in our 11 county service area,” said Jeff Kelley, Executive Director of Panhandle RC&D.
For more information on EA-REDA or REAP, please visit www.rd.usda.gov/ne or contact USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinator Jeff Carpenter at 402-437-5554 or jeff.carpenter@ne.usda.gov.
USDA Rural Development achieves its mission by helping rural individuals, communities and businesses obtain the financial and technical assistance needed to address their diverse and unique needs. EA-REDA grants support programs to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses evaluate energy efficiency systems and determine the feasibility of incorporating renewable energy technologies into their operations. USDA Rural Development also provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase or install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements through its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.