CASPER, Wyo., August 12, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Wyoming State Director Glenn Pauley announced that USDA is partnering with agricultural producers and small businesses to expand access to clean energy and lower energy bills through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Grant Program (REAP TAG). The projects are funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the nation’s largest single investment in rural electrification since the passage of the Rural Electrification Act in 1936.
“The opportunity to partner with organizations across the state will help us better connect with small businesses and agricultural producers who can use cost savings when it comes to energy use,” said Pauley. “REAP is a diverse program, and we’re hoping Wyoming will take advantage of the additional program funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act while it’s still available.”
The Buffalo KOA Journey Campground received its third REAP grant to install energy efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and water heater systems for its facility. The improvements are expected to save the KOA $749 per year by reducing nearly 17 percent of the company's current energy use.
The following organizations received a REAP TAG grant to promote the Rural Energy for America Program to rural small businesses and agricultural producers throughout Wyoming. The organizations will provide technical assistance to help potential applicants understand how REAP can benefit them by lowering energy costs through energy efficiency or renewable energy projects.
- NW Energy Coalition LLC
- Wheatland Rural Electric Association (WREA)
- Wyoming Energy Co-Op
REAP enables agricultural producers and rural small business owners to expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal or small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income and grow their businesses while lowering energy costs. Projects must be located in rural areas with a population of 50,000 or less.
REAP grants can cover up to 50 percent of the total eligible project cost. Renewable energy system grant awards range from $2,500 to $1 million, while energy efficiency grants range from $1,500 to $500,000. REAP loan guarantee funds can offset up to 75 percent of the total eligible project cost. For questions about the loan guarantee portion of REAP, contact a local lender.
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. The next application deadline is Monday, September 30, 2024. For additional information on REAP grants, contact Wyoming Energy Coordinator Miles Benzel at (307) 683-4191 or Grants Management Specialist Charlie Spears at (307) 233-6722.
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. 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.
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