Grant Helps NCC Provide Technical Assistance for Energy Efficiency Improvements

Congresswoman Susan Wild hosted a roundtable at Northampton Community College (NCC) on October 24 to discuss the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The roundtable was moderated by USDA State Director of Rural Development, Bob Morgan; USDA Senior Advisor, Cindy Axne; NCC Senior Technical Consultant, Emerging Technology Applications Center, Dr. John Barkanic; NCC Grants Specialist, Kristie Miers; and Global Education Operations Manager & Veteran Programs Manager at Rodale Institute, Justin Barclay.

The moderators discussed how these grants are helping lower energy costs for local farmers and rural small business owners. Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the College can begin assisting in these efforts. The $499,900 grant comes through the REAP as a part of the USDA’s initiative to invest in Pennsylvania rural communities

“Farmers and small business owners throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley work so hard every day, and it’s so important that the federal government has their backs,” said Wild. “I was so proud to help pass the Inflation Reduction Act, to make programs like REAP possible. Not only will these grants help local farmers and rural small business owners lower their energy costs, but it will also increase our energy independence and decrease our reliance on foreign energy production.”

“Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is committed to helping rural communities create a path toward a more sustainable future that benefits people in Pennsylvania and across the nation, all while tackling climate change,” Axne said. “Through investments in the Rural Energy for America Program, and our partnership with leaders here in Pennsylvania like Congresswoman Wild, USDA is helping small businesses that feed into our food systems to help this country reduce expenses and support healthy food systems. This is such a win for our small communities and for our country."

The REAP Technical Assistance Grant will allow NCC to provide crucial services such as energy audits and assessments to applicants seeking REAP funds. NCC will focus on projects requesting up to $20,000 in grant funds involving agricultural producers and small businesses located in distressed or disadvantaged communities.

“NCC is committed to promoting sustainable practices and supporting the economic growth of rural communities,” said Barkanic. “This grant will allow us to extend our expertise in energy efficiency and renewable energy systems to those who need it most, helping them reduce costs and increase energy independence.”

Grant funding will last through the end of 2027. Over the next three years, NCC will contribute to a more sustainable and energy-independent Pennsylvania by assisting rural small businesses and agricultural producers in implementing energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems.

The REAP initiative is funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis, and supports the broader goal of advancing the economy through sustainable practices. REAP Technical Assistance Grant funds are instrumental in providing information on improving energy efficiency and utilizing renewable energy technologies.

USDA Rural Development is committed to improving the economy and quality of life in rural America. Through various programs, USDA Rural Development helps rural residents with homeownership, business development, and critical infrastructure improvements, fostering growth and prosperity in rural communities across the U.S.

For more information about the services offered under this grant or to learn how to apply for REAP funds, please contact Barkanic at jbarkanic@northampton.edu or 610-861-5381.

NCC is an equal opportunity provider.