(April 24 2013), Albuquerque, NM) USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner announced starting next week USDA Rural Development will host free trainings on obtaining loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects.
In making the announcement, Brunner said, "These workshops are being held to make sure that ag producers and the rural small business owner knows how to become successful in obtaining this financial support, which will ultimately make their businesses more energy efficient and more competitive."
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), provides financial support in the form of grants and loan guarantees (match required) to eligible applicants for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems. REAP only provides funding for business and ag-producers and is not for home use. Eligible applicants include agricultural producers (farmers and ranchers) and rural small businesses.
Renewable energy systems include biofuels, wind, solar, geothermal, hydrogen-based projects and anaerobic digesters. Energy efficiency projects include but are not limited to changing out inefficient pumps, insulation, roofing, lighting, heating and cooling systems, etc. for more efficient ones.
The workshops will be held beginning next week at the following locations:
- Santa Fe: Tuesday, April 29, 2014, 1:30-3:30 pm At Porter Hall, Wendell Chino Building, 1220 South, St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505.
- Taos: Wednesday, April 30, 2014, 1:30-3:30 pm. Taos County Commission Chambers, Taos County Administration Building, 105 Albright St, Taos, NM 87571
- Albuquerque: Thursday, May 1, 2014, 1:30-3:30 pm. 1st Floor Conference Room, United States Department of Agriculture State Office, 6200 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Additional trainings are being planned. Each of the trainings provides identical information. Attendance is free and open to the public. If you require special accommodations or assistance or would like to RSVP for the training and if you have questions or would like to receive application templates, please contact: Jesse Monfort Bopp at jesse.bopp@nm.usda.gov or 505.761.4952. An RSVP is not necessary to attend; however, it helps us in determining amount of space and materials needed.
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 our American values.