SYRACUSE – The USDA Rural Development State Office is accepting grant and loan guarantee applications for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

Funded through the 2008 Farm Bill's Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP), the loan guarantees, grants and loan guarantee-grant combinations are available to agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Eligible applicants may seek loan guarantees to cover up to 75 percent of a project's cost, not to exceed $25 million. Grants are available for up to 25 percent of a project's cost, not to exceed $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements and $500,000 for renewable energy systems.

Eligible renewable energy projects include biomass, solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower and hydrogen. The program can also provide funding to conduct feasibility studies of proposed projects.

To assist applicants, New York has posted required forms and templates at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ny/REAP4.html. The Federal Register notice also provides detailed program information and can be accessed at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12178.pdf.