REAP cycle concludes with $1.95 million in loans for eight states

12/19/2011

The USDA's Rural Development Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) finished its funding for renewable energy projects this year by providing nearly $2 million for flexible fuel pump projects.

This brings the USDA loan total for flex-fuel pumps up to 65 during fiscal year 2011, as the agency helped install 266 new pumps in 30 states. The installation of these pumps encourages the use of biofuels and supports a clean-energy economy.

"Stable energy costs create an environment for job growth in rural America," said Agriculture Secrtary Tom Vilsack. "The Obama Administration is helping agricultural producers and business owners reduce their energy costs and consumption - and by doing so is helping preserve our natural resources, protect the environment and strengthen the bottom line for businesses, ranchers and farm operations."

The projects funded by USDA loans are expected to lower energy usage by 2 billion kilowatts and prevent approximately 2 million metric tons of emissions from being released into the environment.

According to the Morning Sun, the state of Michigan received just over $750,000 in grants and loans. In terms of specific donations, $36,000 was distributed to Gratiot County, more than $26,000 was given to Apple Farms in Elwell and nearly $10,000 was granted to Cary Pioneer Farms in Alma.