USDA Seeks Applications for Rural Energy for America Program

(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Updated Nov. 22, 2021 to indicate that applications will receive priority points for advancing key priorities under the Biden-Harris Administration. The * denotes new or updated information since the original announcement.

USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson ... announced that the department is accepting applications for loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems; and to make energy efficiency improvements, conduct energy audits and provide development assistance.

Funds are being made available under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). USDA is seeking applications for Fiscal Year 2022 funding. The deadlines to apply for grants are Oct. 31, 2021, and March 31, 2022. Applications for technical assistance grants are due Jan. 31, 2022. Applications for loan guarantees are accepted year-round.
* All applications will be subject to updated scoring provisions regardless of which deadline they meet.
Specifically, applications will receive 10 priority points if they meet any of these key priorities:
• * Assist rural communities to recover economically from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,
particularly disadvantaged communities.
• * Ensure all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefits from
Rural Development funded projects.
• * Support economic investments in distressed communities.
* For more information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points or page 66273 of the Nov. 22, 2021,
Federal Register.

Agricultural producers and rural small businesses are eligible applicants for loan guarantees and grants to develop renewable energy systems and to make energy efficiency improvements. State and local governments, federally-recognized tribes, land-grant colleges or universities or other institutions of higher education, rural electric cooperatives, public power entities, and Resource Conservation & Development Councils (as defined in 16 USC §3451) are eligible applicants for grants to conduct energy audits and provide development assistance.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact their local USDA Rural Development State Energy Coordinator well in advance of the application deadlines to discuss their project and ask any questions about the REAP program or the application process.

Additional information on the required materials and how to apply for the REAP program are available on page 40000 of the July 26, 2021, Federal Register. READ MORE