In honor of Thursday’s designation of being Earth Day 2022, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development New Jersey State Director Jane Asselta, alongside
U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski, visited Oak Grove Plantation to announce a $100,000 grant
for renewable energy in North Jersey.
North Jersey Resource Conservation and Development will use the REAP REDA Grant from
USDA Rural Development to provide farms and rural businesses in northern New Jersey the
resources to create a renewable energy assessment. This allows applicants to confidently apply for renewable energy systems to be implemented on their farm or business.
North Jersey RC&D has an ongoing partnership with the USDA’s Rural Development to promote Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP, and Renewable Energy Development Assistance, or REDA, grants.
“Rural Development recognizes the impact of these critical energy programs. We couldn’t be more excited to recognize these efforts in celebration of Earth Week,” Asselta said.
Oak Grove Plantation in Pittstown utilized assistance provided by North Jersey RC&D through a previous REDA grant, which informed the family farm that solar energy would offset nearly $5,000 in the first year of operation.
Rural Development is at the forefront of renewable energy financing. It has energy programs to complete energy audits, provide renewable energy development assistance, make energy efficiency improvements and install renewable energy systems.
Under President Joe Biden’s administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans living in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas.
