WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has awarded $682,563 in grant funding to 29 different farmers and rural small businesses in Ohio. The Rural Energy for America Program supports agricultural producers and rural small businesses. The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding for the purchase, installation, and construction of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.
“New energy technology keeps the U.S. competitive and helps reduce utility bills for Ohioans. Our country’s economic and environmental future depends on resilient local economies and a strong domestic clean energy sector,” said Brown.
The funds for this grant are a part of the USDA’s Rural Development initiative. Brown was an original supporter of REAP when it was first created in the 2008 Farm Bill. As the first Ohioan on the Senate Agriculture Committee in more than 50 years, Brown championed a strong Rural Development title in the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bill, and is continuing to advocate for rural Ohio and programs that promote energy efficiency and clean energy across rural America. More information on the program can be found here.