U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Texas State Director Lillian Salerno announced that USDA is accepting applications starting on April 1 for $1 billion in grants to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses invest in renewable energy systems and make energyeffi ciency improvements.USDA is making the $1 billion in grants available under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).“Supporting renewable energy and energy-saving systems helps the people of rural Texas create thriving, livable communities,” said Salerno. “When we invest in rural communities, we are supporting hard work that creates a better future for our state.”Recipients may use REAP ...