The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering $21 million in technical assistance grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for agricultural producers and rural small businesses in Iowa. The grants will be awarded through a competitive process, with the Iowa state office of USDA Rural Development allocating between $400,000 and $500,000 for REAP technical assistance providers.
The application window for the grants opens on July 15, 2023, and closes on August 15, 2023. Eligible recipients include state, Tribal, or local governments, colleges and universities, electric cooperatives and utility companies, as well as for-profit and nonprofit organizations.
The grants can be used for various purposes, such as helping agricultural producers and small business owners apply for REAP funding, providing information on energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy technologies, conducting energy assessments and audits, and supporting the planning, construction, or development of renewable energy or energy efficiency projects.
The technical assistance grants aim to support farmers, ranchers, and rural small business owners in accessing federal funds for renewable energy systems. The Administration is prioritizing climate-smart technologies like wind, anaerobic digesters, geothermal, and biomass systems in Iowa to reduce energy costs for ag producers and rural small businesses.
The Inflation Reduction Act, supported by the Administration, provides funding to USDA Rural Development to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, zero-emission systems, and energy efficiency improvements. This act represents the largest investment in rural electrification since the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
USDA Rural Development will prioritize applicants assisting disadvantaged communities, those pursuing projects using underutilized technologies, and those seeking grants under $20,000.
The Rural Development state office in Iowa will hold a brief webinar regarding this announcement on July 13, 2023, at 3 p.m. Central Time. For more details and to participate in the webinar, please click on the Webinar Link. You can also find additional information in the July 13 Federal Register.
USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across Iowa, serving rural communities and areas. For more information on investment resources for rural areas in Iowa, including contact details for specific offices, individuals can visit the USDA Rural Development website or contact their state office.
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Categories: Iowa, Business, Energy, Rural Lifestyle