Farmers, rural businesses eligible to apply for USDA’s energy grant program

The Nevada State Office of USDA Rural Development is offering an energy workshop to help farmers and rural small business owners learn about how to use the Rural Energy for America Program grant to reduce energy costs.

The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 23 at USDA Rural Development, 1390 S. Curry St.

Energy Coordinator Mark Williams will provide an overview of the Rural Energy for America Program grant, which is funded under the 2014 Farm Bill.

Funding is available for small rural businesses and agricultural producers for up to 25 percent of the cost to purchase and build renewable energy systems — such as solar, wind and hydro power — or to enhance energy efficiency with new lighting, windows or HVAC systems. To be eligible, farms and businesses must be located in communities of 50,000 residents or fewer.

Video-teleconference of the workshop is available at USDA centers in Fallon, Elko and Las Vegas and others upon request. To make a reservation, contact Mark Williams at 775-887-1222, ext. 116, or mark.williams@nv.usda.gov.