PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – USDA Rural Development officials are taking applications for the “Rural Energy for America Program,” or REAP. Small rural businesses and farmers and ranchers are eligible with the next grant deadline October 31 of 2019. South Dakota USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinator Jolene (prav-uh-check) Pravecek says the REAP funding is available for (ann-uh-robe-ick) anaerobic digesters, biomass geothermal, hydro power, wind and solar projects.

She says South Dakotans have shown a lot of interest in the REAP program in the past.

Pravecek says if the application is for $20,000 or less, there are two rounds of qualification.

Pravecek says they’re awaiting the specific details on how much 2020 REAP funding will be provided to South Dakota.