Bangor — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that rural agricultural producers and small business owners can now apply for resources to purchase and install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. These efforts help farmers, ranchers and other small business owners save money on their energy bills, reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, support America's clean energy economy, and cut carbon pollution. The resources are made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill.

Vilsack said in a news release: "Developing renewable energy presents an enormous economic opportunity for rural America. The funding we are making available will help farmers, ranchers, business owners, tribal organizations and other entities incorporate renewable energy and energy efficiency technology into their operations. Doing so can help a business reduce energy use and costs while improving its bottom line. While saving producers money and creating jobs, these investments reduce dependence on foreign oil and cut carbon pollution as well."

USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel said in the news release: "This vital energy program can help Maine businesses make a significant difference in lessening their carbon footprint, reducing the generation of overall carbon emissions in our state while helping to substantially cut their operational costs. These savings enable our REAP recipients to gain a competitive advantage by decreasing their operating expenses. I strongly encourage eligible businesses to apply."

In REAP grant funding for Maine in 2015, $163,000 is available for grants $20,000 and less, and $1,089,000 is available for grants over $20,000.

Examples of recent funding recipients under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) include Mt. Abram ski area and Cozy Acres Greenhouse. Mt. Abram, in Greenwood, utilized a Rural Energy for America Program Grant in the amount of $235,000 to install an 803 solar photovoltaic system that will generate 70 percent of energy needs at the ski area. It is a first at a ski area in Maine, and the second largest solar system at a ski area in the country.

Cozy Acres Greenhouse in North Yarmouth, received a Rural Energy for America Grant in the amount of $48,750 for solar and geothermal systems to create the first
net-zero year-round greenhouse in Maine and the only one in the northern part of the country. Cozy Acres was recently highlighted by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a media  all to announce the funding opportunity for this program.

For more information, or to receive application materials, contact Cheryl Pelletier at cheryl.pelletier@me.usda.gov.

USDA is making more than $280 million available to eligible applicants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Application deadlines vary by project type and the type of assistance requested.

USDA is offering grants for up to 25 percent of total project costs and loan guarantees (or a combination of loan and grant funds) for up to 75 percent of total project costs for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. USDA will now accept and review loan applications at any time. Grant applications are due April 30 and June 30.

Eligible renewable energy projects must incorporate commercially available technology. This includes renewable energy from wind, solar, ocean, small hydropower, hydrogen, geothermal and renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters). The maximum grant amount is $500,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant.

Energy efficiency improvement projects eligible for REAP funding include lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, fans, automated controls and insulation upgrades that reduce energy consumption. The maximum grant amount is $250,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant.

Since 2009, USDA has awarded $545 million for more than 8,800 REAP projects nationwide. This includes $361 million in REAP grants and loans for more than 2,900 renewable energy systems. When fully operational, these systems are expected to generate more than six billion kilowatt hours annually — enough to power more than 5.5 million homes for a year.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way — strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of American values.

USDA Rural Development has area offices located in Presque Isle, Bangor, Lewiston, and Scarborough, as well as a state office, located in Bangor. There are 58 employees working to deliver the agency's Housing, Business, and Community Programs, which are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, and farmers, and improve the quality of life in rural Maine.

Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at www.rd.usda.gov/me.