USDA Rural Development is taking loan guarantee and grant applications for the Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP, for projects to be awarded in 2010.

USDA Rural Development's Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) offers grants, guaranteed loans, and combination grant/guaranteed loans to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.

In 2009, producers and businesses in Louisiana received $308,273 in REAP grants for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies, and energy audits.

Businesses and producers in rural Louisiana looking to create renewable energy or make energy-saving improvements may be able to finance up to 75 percent of eligible project costs through the program. Stand-alone grants can be awarded up to 25 percent of total eligible costs.

To qualify for financial assistance through REAP, project costs must be greater than $6,000 for energy efficiency projects and $10,000 for renewable energy projects.

Details are available online at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la/REAPinfo.htm or by c ontacting the Renewable Energy Coordinator Kevin Boone at (337) 262-6601 extension 133.

USDA Rural Development provides a full range of rural development credit services in rural Louisiana. Area Offices are located in Monroe, Natchitoches, Lafayette, and Amite; and the State Office is located in Alexandria. For more information on USDA Rural Development's loan and grant programs, visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la.

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