Date: 3/30/2015

Source: Seanica Otterby, National Association of Farm Broadcasters

Audio with Lisa Daniels, Midwest Wind Energy Center Director (MP3 2.1 MB). Download Windows Media Player. Time: 00:02:18.

The Rural Energy for America Program was established in the 2002 Farm Bill and renewed in the 2014 Farm Bill. There are three types of assistance available through REAP: grants, guaranteed loans, and combined grants and loans. Midwest Wind Energy Center Director Lisa Daniels explains the renewable energy technologies eligible for REAP assistance.

"Biomass, geothermal, hydropower, small and large wind generation, and small and large solar generation. The minimum amount is $2,500, and the maximum amount is $500,000. That's quite a spread. So you can see that there really can be small systems and large systems. Applicants must provide at least 75% of the project cost if applying for a grant only, and applicants must provide at least 25% of the project cost if applying for a loan or a loan-and-grant combination."

Funding is available year-round, and applications are accepted throughout the year. Rural small businesses and agricultural producers are eligible to apply for REAP funding.

"For the rural small business applicants, you have to be in an area that has a population of 50,000 people or less, and there is a tool online that can help you determine your eligibility for your rural small business on our website, www.midwestwindenergycenter.org."

Daniels says there are state rural development energy coordinators to help people apply, but people also can use a grant writer.

"If you feel like there's too much paperwork or it's not your forte or you're getting out in the field and don't have time to do an application yourself, there are grant writers out there. Your rural development energy coordinator will know of any grant writers in your region."

For more information and resources, visit www.midwestwindenergycenter.org.