Pawnee, OK - Funding will help people in rural communities lower energy costs, increase energy resiliency and create jobs

 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced the Biden-Harris Administration is investing $6.6 million across the country to help people living in rural towns develop community-sized renewable energy projects that will help them lower their energy costs and create jobs.

These grants are part of the Rural Energy Pilot Program (REPP) which allows for community-driven solutions to address high energy costs and pollution through renewable energy systems, including wind, solar, and other technologies like geothermal, micro-hydroelectric and biomass/bioenergy. A portion of the awarded funds may also be used for community energy planning, capacity building, technical assistance, efficiency and weatherization. This program, unique within USDA Rural Development, will provide historically underserved communities with the opportunity to keep essential systems functioning during climate change related extreme weather events and build resiliency directly into their energy infrastructure.

This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. 

Source: morningagclips.com