Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is investing in 540 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide.
“These loan guarantees and grants will have far-reaching impacts nationwide, particularly in the rural communities where these projects are located,” Vilsack said.
“Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency will continue the unprecedented increase in home-grown energy sources and American energy independence we’ve seen in recent years.
This is creating jobs, providing new economic opportunities and leading the way to a more secure energy future.”
“Rural Development is pleased to offer funding through the REAP program to 14 Texas recipients,” said Rural Development State Director Paco Valentin. “By reducing energy costs, these businesses become more competitive, allowing them to expand, create jobs and serve a larger rural population.”
Fourteen recipients throughout Texas will utilize $399,000 of awarded funding to make energy efficient upgrades and improvements through a variety of ways.
From energy efficient improvements to poultry houses, to installation of photovoltaic solar systems and energy efficient lighting, to the installation of wind generator turbines and automated oxygen monitoring systems, businesses throughout Texas will use their grants to modernize their facilities with energy saving devices and equipment.
For a complete list of recipients and further details on each project, please visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/supportdocuments/rdREAPProjectsSept2014.pdf.

For more information on the REAP program, or any other Rural Development program offered throughout Texas, including local office contact information, please view http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/TXHome.html.