Heitkamp Encourages Eligible North Dakota Farmers, Ranchers & Small Businesses to Apply for Federal Grants to Improve Energy Efficiency

BISMARCK, N.D. – April 2, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today encouraged eligible North Dakota farmers, ranchers and small businesses to apply for federal funding to support the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems, or to make energy efficiency improvements.

Rural agriculture producers and small businesses can apply for federal funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) – a program that was reauthorized in the 2014 Farm Bill that Heitkamp helped pass. These funds can be used to offset partial costs of upgrades to reduce heating, lighting and other energy consumption, as well as to purchase and install solar, wind and other renewable energy projects.

“During negotiations of the 2014 Farm Bill, I fought to make sure we continue to invest in rural America,” said Heitkamp. “Continuing the Rural Energy for America Program was an important part of that because it will help more rural farmers, ranchers and small businesses become energy efficient while also making important investments in renewable energy and continuing to build out North Dakota’s all-of-the-above energy strategy. I hope North Dakota farmers, ranchers and small businesses continue to take advantage of this great program and apply for these funds.”

Since 2009, North Dakota has received nearly $1.75 million in federal funding through REAP. Nationally, REAP has assisted with nearly 3,000 renewable energy systems which – when fully operational – is expected to generate enough energy to power more than 5.5 million homes for a year. Due to its success, REAP funding was reauthorized in the 2014 Farm Bill with guaranteed annual funding of no less than $50 million. Interested applicants can click here for more information.