USDA opens call for renewable energy program funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program is accepting applications for funding under its Renewable Energy for America Program through May 2, 2016, José Otero-García, the agency’s state director for Puerto Rico, said Tuesday.
The funding deadline is for projects of any size with maximum grants limited to $500,000 for renewable energy projects and $250,000 for energy efficiency projects (25 percent of total eligible project cost). Any eligible application that was not funded during the Oct. 31, 2015 funding cycle will be reconsidered in this round.
USDA Rural Development provides financial assistance in the form of grants and guaranteed loans to agricultural producers and rural businesses to purchase renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements through REAP. This program provides funds for the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems and to make energy efficiency improvements.
Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. EST, and should be submitted to Danna Quiles, business and cooperative programs director at the Puerto Rico State Office. For more information call (787) 766-5095 X 151, 172, 174 or 175.