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

The Rural Business Cooperative Services (RBCS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, awarded $199,650 to The Skyway Group, Inc. on September 16, 2025, under the Rural Energy for America Program (CFDA 10.868). This Project Grant, with a completion date of September 16, 2027, supports the deployment of renewable energy systems and/or implementation of energy efficiency improvements at agricultural or rural business operations. The funding covers up to 25 percent of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant cap of $500,000 for renewable energy systems or $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements. Grant funds are provided on a reimbursement basis, and projects are typically expected to be completed within two years of the award date.

The Rural Energy for America Program has experienced significant growth, with award volume increasing from 1,117 grants in 2021 to 4,833 in 2024. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including energy quantity produced or saved, environmental benefits, technical merit, project readiness, and payback period. Eligible applicants must be agricultural producers or rural small businesses located in rural areas and must not have outstanding federal judgments, delinquent federal debt, or debarment status. The program operates through a two-tier review process, with initial evaluation at the state level followed by nationwide ranking through the RBCS National Office.