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Projects in 15 States and The Western Pacific Islands, Will Help Farmers and Rural Businesses Become More Efficient.
Americian Graindryer

WASHINGTON, August 10, 2009 –
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that 365 recipients have been selected to receive more than $15 million in loans and grants to install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.
Dallas Tonsager, Under Secretary for Rural Development, made the public announcement on behalf of Vilsack during a speech today at the Midwest Rural Assembly in Sioux Falls, S.D.
“It is imperative that we secure more self-sufficient energy resources for our country, and these grants will help enable the long-term sustainability that the Obama Administration is committed to,” Vilsack said.
“This funding will also help farmers and rural businesses become more efficient and competitive.”

American Mix-flow dryer The Midwest Rural Assembly focuses on rural economic and community development issues and opportunities, and gives rural residents a chance to speak directly with policymakers about rural policy priorities.
Tonsager said the loans and grants announced today are authorized under the Rural Energy for America Program, which was established in the 2008 Farm Bill and is administered by USDA Rural Development.
The funds are not part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

One of the recipients, Eugene Bartz, of Sisseton, S.D., has been selected to receive a $62,400 grant and $60,470 loan to replace an outdated grain dryer with a more energy efficient model.
He will retire several large-volume, low-temperature drying bins and convert them into storage bins.
The new system will use 64.9% less energy per bushel in the drying process.
This increased drying capacity will allow Bartz to balance harvesting and drying rates while avoiding condensation inside the bins.

Additional information on the Rural Energy for America Program may be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/bprogs.htm.
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting www.rurdev.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW,
Washington, DC
20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).


USDA Grant/Energy Program requirements:

  • Demonstrate a financial need is important
  • Certification to prove this.

Contact: Dennis Rodin,
Rural Development Federal Building,
Room 211-220 East Rosser Avenue
PO Box 1737
Bismarck, ND 58502-1737
Phone: 701-530-2068
Toll Free: 800-582-7584 extension 2068
Fax: 701-530-2111
dennis.rodin@nd.usda.gov


Programs available:

  1. Grant Only-25% of project
  2. Guaranteed Loan-75% of project-
  3. Combination-Grant 25% Loan 50%

To get information on the above programs in a PDF format click here for details.

***Point system-using the “Combination” Program we can see a better possible approval of program.***

PROCESS:

  • Applicant start early-get dryer bids, paperwork done
  • Utilize Grant Writers
  • 3rd Party Energy Audit and Technical Report
2 programs:
  • a)$200,000 or less
  • b)$200,000 plus
    • Each Application receives a score rating

    ***No guarantee you will get approved***

Where to Start?

  1. http://farmenergy.org/tools/state-level-usda-contacts -Inform your state level USDA contract. Your state Energy Coordinator needs to perform an environmental review at the project site that must be completed for your application. They can help to review your project for program eligibility, for application assistance and to learn about additional resources specific to your state and region. (Plus, this year, the State offices will directly allocate some REAP funds).
  2. http://farmenergy.org/tools/tools-and-templates#Resources – Go to this page and look at the scoring criteria a well as download guidelines.
  3. http://farmenergy.org/tools/tools-and-templates#Tools – Go to this link and look at the different levels of grants and download the applications.
  4. http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ia/rbcs_RE-EE_grants_full-EE.html This site will guide you through the application procedure designed to fit your needs.
  5. http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ia/rbcs_RE-EE_Guide2.pdf -Checking to see if you filled out everything needed.