Saturday,  Aug. 17, 2013 • Vol. 15--No. 33 • 5 of 26

(Continued from page 4)

• Pioneer Energy, LLC based in Hesperus, CO will receive $25,000 to help fund a feasibility study on a 99 megawatt wind farm near Lake Andes, SD.
• CLR, LLC based in Sioux Falls, SD will receive $8,570 to help fund a feasibility study on a biodiesel plant to be located in southeastern SD.
• View the list of recipients for Rural Energy for America Program feasibility studies.
• REAP offers financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. These federal funds leverage other private funding sources for businesses.  REAP also helps the conservation of natural resources and the development of new forms of energy that reduces America's dependence on fossil fuels and creates a stronger rural economy.
• View the list of recipients for Rural Energy for America Program grants and loans. Minnesota REAP recipients were previously announced.
• President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.
• USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.
• USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as the Department implements sequestration - the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act.
• USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.
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