Assistance for Farmers and Small Businesses to Pursue Clean Energy Projects
The Clean Energy Districts of Iowa (CEDI) has received a $250,000 Technical Assistance Grant from USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy For America Program (REAP). The grant will enable CEDI to develop a coaching program to help farmers and small business owners in many eastern Iowa counties pursue actual REAP funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in their operations.
The REAP Technical Assistance Grant program stems from increased funding for the REAP program in the Inflation Reduction Act. “This is hands-on support for Iowa ag producers and small business owners seeking to invest in renewable energy,” said Theresa Greenfield, USDA Rural Development’s State Director in Iowa. “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.”
CEDI’s coaching program will focus on (though not be limited to) eligible REAP applicants in distressed or disadvantaged communities, and those pursuing projects using underutilized technologies or smaller projects (under $20,000), in CEDI member counties.
“Most farmers and small business owners in these categories don’t know about the REAP program, or have the bandwidth to pursue funds” said CEDI Executive Director Andy Johnson. “Our program will help bring those clean energy prosperity benefits to customers and communities that otherwise wouldn’t have access.”
To get started with REAP coaching, please email CEDI.
Posted: January 5, 2024