Source: USDA Rural Development
On Aug. 6, 2010, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the opening of the application period for proposals to conduct feasibility studies on prospective renewable energy systems, including anaerobic digesters, under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
Agriculture producers and rural small businesses may apply for a REAP feasibility study grant to help pay for the cost of a comprehensive business-level study that gathers together preliminary data and studies, evaluates the findings, and determines whether the proposed energy project is viable and profitable.
The study must be conducted by an independent third party and the grant may not be used to pay for facility design work or permitting/licensing costs.
Assistance is limited to $50,000 or 25% of the cost of the study, whichever is less.
Approximately $3 million is available to be awarded this year. More details are available in the Aug. 6, 2010 Federal Register.
Application materials may be obtained from your local USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinator or from www.grants.gov (keyword search: REAP).
Applications are due on Oct. 5, 2010.
