SEC. 9007 reap-renew energy sys grants (man)

Automeca Technical College, Inc. received a $122,310 Project Grant award dated July 25, 2025, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Cooperative Services under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP, CFDA 10.868). The award supports energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems development at the college's campus in Puerto Rico, with a completion deadline of July 25, 2027. As a private, minority-owned educational institution, Automeca is utilizing REAP funding to enhance campus sustainability through projects such as solar panel installations, HVAC system upgrades, and building insulation improvements.

Under the REAP program framework, grant funds are provided on a reimbursement basis following project completion and operational status. The award amount represents up to 25 percent of eligible project costs, consistent with program guidelines that establish maximum grant amounts of $500,000 for renewable energy systems and $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements. This funding aligns with Automeca's broader institutional commitment to infrastructure improvement and energy cost reduction, as evidenced by the college's prior REAP award of $106,810 for comparable energy efficiency enhancements.