USDA Rural Development Nevada has grants and loans available to rural small businesses and agricultural producers to help them offset one-fourth of the costs of an alternative energy system or to improve energy efficiency.
Applications for renewable energy system and energy efficiency grants of $20,000 or less are due by Oct. 31, 2017.
“These investments can help a small business cut costs by reducing its energy expenditures over the long term,” said USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Herb Shedd.
USDA is accepting Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) applications for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects that require either guaranteed loans or grants.
Tribal business entities, rural electric cooperatives and public power entities are also eligible to apply. Renewable energy sources include wind, solar, renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters), small hydro-electric, ocean, geothermal or hydrogen derived from these renewable resources.
The REAP energy efficiency improvement grant can help pay for one-fourth of the cost to replace lighting, windows, heating, air conditioning and cooling systems.
Congress created the REAP program in the 2002 Farm Bill and reauthorized it in the 2014 Farm Bill with guaranteed funding of no less than $50 million annually for the duration of the five-year bill.
For more information in Nevada, contact Laura Chavez at the USDA Rural Development office at (775) 887-1222 Ext. 4764.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. With a portfolio of over $220 billion, this agency's assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; homeownership; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/NV.