On July 14, 2023, USDA announced it is accepting applications under the Rural Energy For America Program (REAP) Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program for fiscal year 2023. Section 22002 of the IRA appropriated funding to USDA to provide grants and loans under REAP. REAP provides $1 billion in grants for agricultural producers and small rural businesses to install renewable energy systems or make energy-efficiency improvements in their agricultural operations. The REAP TAG Program provides grants to qualified Applicants to provide technical assistance to REAP Applicants, with priority for Applicants assisting disadvantaged communities, pursuing projects using underutilized technologies, and pursuing projects under $20,000.
In the July 14, 2023 notice, USDA announced it is accepting applications under the REAP TAG Program for fiscal year 2023 with $21,250,000 available for FY 2023 and provided eligibility information, application review information and federal award administration information. Paper submissions must be received by the Agency no later than 4:00pm local time on August 15, 2023, in the USDA RD State Office (RDSO) of the State where the project is located to be eligible for funding under this grant opportunity, and Electronic submissions via https://www.Grants.gov or to a RDSO State Energy Coordinator via email must be received no later than 11:59pm ET on August 15, 2023.