USDA Awards $500,000 in Technical Assistance Grants to Promote Renewable Energy Projects in Rural Iowa

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced that the Agency is investing $500,000 in grants to two rural Iowa recipients to provide technical assistance to applicants for Rural Energy for America program (REAP) funding. USDA is making the investments through the Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Grant program.

“This is hands-on support for Iowa ag producers and small business owners seeking to invest in renewable energy,” said Director Greenfield. “The Biden-Harris Administration is championing climate-smart investments in rural infrastructure to expand clean energy and food production, helping create jobs and spur economic growth throughout Iowa.”

Background

The Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Grant program is designed to enable applicants to provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses applying to REAP, with priority for applicants assisting distressed or disadvantaged communities and for applicants pursuing projects using underutilized technologies or seeking grants under $20,000.

USDA Funded Iowa Projects:

-Resource Conservation and Development for Northeast Iowa Inc. in Postville in Allamakee County received a $250,000 grant to help to provide technical assistance to agriculture producers and rural small businesses. This project will enable this entity to provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses interested in making energy efficiency improvements and/or renewable energy generation for their operations and applying for assistance under the Rural Energy for America Program.

-Clean Energy Districts of Iowa, a non-profit organization in Winneshiek County, received a $250,000 grant to help provide technical assistance to agriculture producers and rural small businesses. Specifically, assistance will be provided to those interested in making energy efficiency improvements and/or renewable energy generation for their operations and applying for assistance through Rural Development's Rural Energy for America Program.

Source: usda.gov

Photo Credit: USDA