Wednesday, Apr 17 2013 2:27PM
The USDA plans to simplify the application process for rural businesses and agricultural producers seeking energy funding.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to make several changes to its application process that will make it simpler for agricultural producers and rural businesses to seek loan and grant funding for renewable and energy efficiency projects.
The changes involve reducing the amount of application paperwork, especially for funding requests under $80,000, and developing a uniform application system, the agency said. In addition, the USDA said it hopes to eliminate certain reporting requirements and create a quarterly application period for funding to help ensure that loan and grant money is available all year, and proposed providing funding for refurbished and retrofitted renewable energy systems.
"These changes are intended to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses throughout America," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "They will streamline and simplify the application process and give businesses more time to do what they do best: innovate, create jobs and serve their rural communities."
The USDA plans to extend funding to a number of initiatives that support economic community development and help create jobs in rural locations. For example, the agency plans to extend broadband technology to rural locations to help strengthen small rural businesses and spark hiring among local companies.
For more information, check out this resource: The U.S. Department of Agriculture