ALBUQUERQUE, NM - USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner announced today the funding of funds to build a new solar power system at the Robert Rydeski Insurance Agency in Southeast New Mexico.

The money was made available through USDA Rural Development's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) which provides financial support in the form of a grant to help small businesses and ag-producers install energy efficient or alternative energy systems.

"In the last year we've seen more businesses take advantage of the REAP program because this financial support helps build competitive and sustainable rural communities. This happens when the rural business owner is able to buy energy efficient equipment with less out of pocket money." Brunner added, "This investment made by USDA allows Rydeski and Company save on its electricity bill which in turn helps the business be more profitable."

The funding was made under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) which helps farmers, ranchers and small businesses in rural communities of less than 50-thousand residents with loan and grant financial support to install renewable energy systems and to make energy efficiency improvements.

BC USDA Rural Development provided $49,998 to offset the cost of the construction of the $199,000 solar system.

Rydeski and Company received a $49,998 REAP grant to offset the cost of the installation of a new $199,000 solar system in its office building. The new heating a cooling system will allow the facility to be more energy efficient and will save a 100% of its energy usage.

For those rural businesses, ranching and farming operations interested in accessing information on the REAP program visit USDA's new energy website at: www.usda.gov/energy or call the Rural Development State Office in Albuquerque at 505-761-4952.