United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director for Indiana Michael Dora Thursday encouraged farmers, rural small businesses and agricultural producers to apply for financing in a key USDA program that provides loan guarantees to help rural small businesses lower their energy costs. USDA accepts applications for REAP funding year-round. Potential applicants can contact Robert Hill, Business Programs Director at r.hill@usda.gov or (317) 295-5780 for additional information.
REAP funding can be used for renewable energy systems such as anaerobic digesters, biomass, geothermal, hydropower, wind and solar. It also can be used to make energy efficiency improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.