Anchorage, AK, Sep 16, 2011 -- USDA-RD Alaska State Director Jim Nordlund today announced Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants totaling $166,327 for nine rural small businesses across Alaska. This serves to implement renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in their operations.

“This funding for rural Alaskan businesses is an important part of the Obama Administration’s strategy to assist the nation’s farmers, agricultural producers and rural small businesses. This advances our efforts and success in conserving natural resources, creating more jobs and improving the economies of our rural communities,” Nordlund said.

The REAP program is administered through the 2008 Farm Bill. REAP offers funds for farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and energy-efficiency upgrades.

These grants will support the installation of wind, geothermal, solar, or energy efficiency improvements for the following businesses:

• Ageay Homestead Properties, LLC of Homer

• Daggett, LLC of Kenai

• Dart-Am, LLC of North Pole

• Driftwood Inn of Homer

• Homer Saw and Cycle of Homer

• Inlet Trading Post, LLC of Homer

• Naknek Camai Dental Clinic, LLC of Naknek

• Webco Enterprise, LLC of Siana

• Western Guide Service of Kenai

Funding of each award is contingent upon the recipient meeting conditions of the grant or loan agreement. REAP grants can finance up to 25 percent of a project’s cost, not to exceed $500,000 for renewable energy projects and $250,000 for energy efficiency projects.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area administers and manages housing, business, community and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices.

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Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $155 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

For more information, visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

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