WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and small rural businesses to purchase or install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. 

“REAP funding will make it possible to rehabilitate housing, encourage energy efficiency, and help improve facilities throughout Maine,” said Senators King and Collins in a joint statement. “We encourage Maine farmers and rural small business owners to apply for these loans, which provide vital opportunities to install energy efficiency measures that save money, better protect the environment, and boost economic growth.”

Funding available through the REAP guaranteed loan program includes financing for renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements, such as efficient lighting conversions, motor upgrades, building envelope improvements, HVAC upgrades, and more.  Loan amounts can range from $5,000 to $25 million and can cover up to 75 percent of the total eligible project cost.  

For more information, you may contact Brian Wilson at 990-9168 or brian.wilson@me.usda.gov, or you may visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency/me.  

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