Nov. 3, 2010
Contact: Lynn Hamilton
805-783-0420
Cal Poly Professor to Lead Energy Grant Workshops
in California Central Valley Communities
SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cal Poly Agribusiness Professor Lynn Hamilton will lead free workshops across the Central Valley on the USDA's renewable energy grant program. The workshops on the "REAP – Rural Energy for America Program" will take place in Bakersfield, Fresno and Tulare on Nov. 18, 19 and 30.
Farm, ranch or rural small business owners are encouraged to attend. The workshops are free and open to the public; no registration is required.
The Nov. 18 workshop takes place at the Kern County Extension Office from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
On Nov. 19, two workshops are scheduled in the Fresno County Farm Bureau conference room – one from 9:30 a.m. to noon and the other from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
The Nov. 30 workshops will be held at the Tulare County Farm Bureau conference room – one from 9:30 a.m. to noon and the other from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Hamilton will present information on REAP, including an overview of the program, as well as program and application requirements, incentives and resources.
Workshop I, presented at each event, focuses on projects valued at less than $200,000. Workshop II, presented at the Nov. 19 and 30 events, focuses on the application process for larger projects, including anaerobic digesters for dairies and utility-scale wind and solar projects. Applications for projects greater than $200,000 have different requirements.
About REAP
The Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP, makes $70 million dollars available each year for 2011 and 2012, under the current Farm Bill.
Renewable energy projects can receive a 25 percent cost-share grant up to $500,000 for installations such as solar, wind or biomass projects. A wide variety of energy efficiency projects are also eligible for funding up to 25 percent of costs; the limit is $250,000.
Additional funds are also available for guaranteed loans for both renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. An applicant can combine a guaranteed loan and grant under REAP to receive up to 75 percent of project costs. Technologies that reduce energy use on farms or in rural small businesses are eligible for funding. The deadline for applications is spring 2011. Some projects may also be eligible for state-level grants and federal tax incentives.
# # #