The U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide $63 million in loans and grants for 264 renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects nationwide through its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), according to a release. A total of 99 of the 264 projects receiving funding today are from Iowa. Eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses may use REAP funds to make energy-efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters), small hydroelectric, ocean energy, hydrogen and geothermal. The next application deadline for REAP grants is Nov. 2.