Small Scale Wind

Comment

Comment by William A. Spratley on May 27, 2010 at 5:59pm

See the e-newsletter of Windustry at www.windustry.org. The May 2010 edition has this lead story that applies to rural Ohioans:
USDA REAP Funding for Renewable Energy

USDA is seeking applications to increase the production and use of renewable energy sources. Funding is available from four USDA Rural Development renewable energy programs authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill). USDA is accepting applications for grants and loan guarantees in the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) until June 30, 2010.

REAP provides funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. This funding supports Community Wind investment by providing a financial incentive that does not depend on tax liability. Additionally, because a REAP grant is considered taxable income, it does not trigger a reduction in the Section 1603 Treasury Cash Grant program created in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

A total of $87 million is available for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements, leaving $9.9 million for energy technical assistance and $2.4 million for feasibility studies. Eligible projects include installing renewable energy systems such as wind turbines, solar, geothermal, biomass, anaerobic digesters, hydroelectric, and ocean or hydrogen systems. Funding may also be used to purchase energy-efficient equipment, add insulation, and improve heating and cooling systems.

For more information about the program, including links to the USDA Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA), Read More on the Windustry web site.