(NAFB.com) – USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Thursday that USDA is funding new projects in nearly every state to lower costs, expand access to clean energy and strengthen American farms and small businesses. USDA is making the investments through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). “The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are ensuring farmers, small business owners and rural communities have the resources they need for the future,” Secretary Vilsack said. “The investments I’m announcing today will help rural communities lead our country toward an economy that benefits working people everywhere with lower costs and clean energy jobs.” Vilsack said this new round invests more than $256 million in loans and grants that will support more than 1,100 clean energy projects in 40 states. Most of the new projects are funded by the Inflation Reduction Act.