USDA REAP ZONE

What is a REAP Zone Designation?

In 1995, USDA Rural Development established the Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Zones Initiative as a collaborative and citizen-led effort to enhance rural economic development and to develop a model for building a new rural economy for other areas. The REAP Zone status offers access to reserved funds from USDA Rural Development for new and developing projects. In 2000, USDA Rural Development designated the NEK region in Vermont as the fifth REAP Zone. 

The NEK Collaborative serves as the backbone organization for the NEK REAP Zone and community partner for USDA Rural Development by ensuring that applicant projects address the goals outlined in a community-developed multi-jurisdictional plan. Members of the NEK Collaborative review the proposed projects and endorse those aligned with the CEDS Strategic Plan. The Collaborative encourages partnerships and the use of local and regional resources in the proposed project, helping to identify the potential partners and connections.

Apply for a USDA Rural Development Grant or Loan

To apply for a USDA Rural Development grant or loan as an applicant within a Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Zone, you must be assigned a Benchmark Number. This process helps prevent duplication of projects and encourages regional coordination and collaboration.

Please complete this online form to receive a Benchmark Number.

Once you submit the form please allow up to 24 hours for an email response from me with your assigned Benchmark Number.

If you have any questions, please contact Abby Long at abby@nekcollaborative.org.