MorrisonGrants

The USDA announced this morning that the application period for the 2012 Rural Energy for America Program is now open, with $25.4 million available for alternative energy and energy efficient projects.

The Rural Energy for America Program is aimed at agricultural producers and rural small businesses and provides grants and loan guarantees for the development and construction of renewable energy systems and for energy efficiency improvement projects; conducting energy audits; conducting renewable energy development assistance; and conducting renewable energy system feasibility studies.

Morrison & Company has significant experience with this grant program and through last year's program, was able to secure the largest grant award in California and largest loan guarantee in the nation for a rural hay and cattle operation.

REAP applications can be very complex, and as such, if you're thinking of applying for this year's program, you don't want to waste any time. The deadlines vary by project type and are listed as follows:

·February 21, 2012: Energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants.

·March 30, 2012: Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grant and combination grant and guaranteed loan applications.

·March 30, 2012: Renewable energy system feasibility study grant applications.

·June 29, 2012: Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan only applications.

If you have questions about REAP, or want more information on the program, feel free to contact Brent at 530-893-4764,ext. 202 or bmorrison@morrisonco.net.