The U.S. Department of Agriculture, through its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has awarded 17 Oregon small businesses grants to continue their work on renewable energy projects, such as the installation of solar arrays. Solar panels convert solar energy into direct current electricity; arrays are groups of panels linked together to create more energy.
Three other businesses in Oregon received grants for geothermal and biomass studies and solar projects. A total of 450 grants were given nationally by REAP, totaling $7.4 million. Oregon projects received more than $242,000. In addition to grants, the REAP progam also gives loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to support their work financially.
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is one of four programs authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 that supports energy development programs focused on creating energy from clean sources such as wind, solar, nuclear, clean coal and natural gas. It is part of the President's Win the Future plan for 80% of America's electricity to come from clean sources by 2035.
The United States Department of Agriculture supports rural communities with programs such as REAP to sustain agriculture production in America. The USDA's Rural Business Programs are the primary source of funding for agriculture initiatives.
For more information, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/energy