(KLZA)-- USDA Rural Development Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul announces the awarding of nearly $962,000 in grants for 40 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that are supported through the Rural Energy for America Program .   

 The projected energy savings from the announced projects is equivalent to the amount required to power 345 homes.   

Among the recipients, are:  Merlyn Bender - Nemaha County. A grant of $8,209 will be used to install a waste heat recovery system.  Eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses may use REAP funds to make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems. 

Applications for renewable energy system and energy efficiency grants of $20,000 or less are due by Oct. 31, 2016, for the first funding cycle and March 31, 2017, for the second funding cycle.