PHOENIX (Aug. 5, 2024) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Arizona State Director Charlene Fernandez announced today two local organizations will receive $125,000 Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Grants to assist rural business and agricultural customers interested in applying for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“Through the commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is investing in expanding renewable energy systems in Arizona’s rural communities,” State Director Fernandez said. “These grants will provide funding so that businesses in Mohave and Coconino counties can advance their sustainability goals, reduce energy costs, and create new opportunities for growth in their communities. Together, we can build a more resilient and prosperous future for rural Arizona.”
Garkane Energy Cooperative Inc., a rural electric cooperative, serves customers in Mohave and Coconino counties and will use the $125,000 REAP Technical Assistance Grant to business and agricultural customers interesting in applying for the REAP grant. The project will focus on eligible customers within the Kaibab Band of Paiute and will concentrate on both REAP renewable energy systems and energy efficiency grant development. The co-op anticipates bringing benefits to all tribal members while assisting specific businesses and agricultural customers.
Vision Lakes Consulting Group, a non-profit organization, will use the $125,000 REAP Technical Assistance Grant to focus on farms and ranches in Arizona run by individuals that have historically been disadvantaged by past unethical practices. The technical assistance will focus on energy efficiency improvements, underutilized renewable energy project development, urban agriculture, environmental regulation tasks, and application development.
Many of the projects are funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis. The projects also advance President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to grow the nation’s economy from the middle out and the bottom up.
Background: REAP
Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $2.2 billion through REAP in 7,566 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. These projects will help rural small businesses and farmers lower energy bills by an average of $25,000 a year, generate new renewable energy income, and strengthen their resiliency of operations. The energy generated and saved from these projects would provide enough electricity to power more than 630,000 homes over the course of a year.
REAP enables agricultural producers and rural small business owners to expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses and address climate change while lowering energy costs for American families.
USDA continues to accept REAP applications and has set aside a portion of the program funds to support underutilized renewable energy technologies, like wind and geothermal power. For additional information, contact a local energy coordinator.
A complete list of all REAP projects can be found online.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. REAP is a part of the President’s Justice40 initiative which sets a goal that 40% of the benefits from certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities. The program supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery Subscriber Page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
###
To update your subscriber preferences by state, visit the GovDelivery subscriber page.
Stay informed on USDA Rural Development news, program updates, stakeholder announcements, and more.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.