Yesterday, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director for Indiana Michael Dora announced funding of $109,195 for projects that will reduce energy costs in the Hoosier state. Dora’s announcement is in coordination with the recent announcement made by Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding 58 grants for projects in 17 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to reduce energy costs for farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses and institutions. USDA is providing the grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Congress created REAP in the 2002 Farm Bill and reauthorized it in the 2018 Farm Bill. The program helps increase U.S. energy independence by expanding the private-sector supply of renewable energy.