Rural Development Texas State Director Paco Valentin today announced that USDA is investing more than $141,100 in nine renewable energy and energy efficiency projects statewide.
“Rural Development is pleased to offer funding through the REAP program to nine Texas recipients,” said Valentin. “By reducing energy costs, these businesses become more competitive, allowing them to expand, create jobs and serve a larger rural population.”
Nine recipients throughout Texas will utilize $141,107 of awarded funding to install renewable energy equipment that is projected to save $38,254 each year in use. From the installation of photovoltaic solar systems and a geothermal system, businesses throughout Texas will use their grants to modernize their facilities with renewable energy equipment. The awards list announced today is contingent upon the recipients meeting the terms of the grant agreement.
Eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses may use REAP funds to make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters), small hydroelectric, ocean energy, hydrogen and geothermal.
Rural Energy for America Program Grant requests for the next funding cycle are due in the Texas State Office by May 2, 2016. For additional details on how to apply, please contact the Texas Energy Coordinator, Billy Curb at 254-742-9775 or emailing billy.curb@tx.usda.gov. Additional information may also be found on page 60349 of the October 6, 2015 Federal Register (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-10-06/pdf/2015-25321.pdf).
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. For information on this and other USDA Rural Development programs in Texas, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/tx.