Includes $142,000 in Grants Funds for Renewable Energy Projects in Pennsylvania
Today, in honor of Earth Day 2021, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship. USDA is making the investments under the Water and Environmental Program, the Rural Energy for America Program, the Electric Loan Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.
“When we invest in accessible and modern climate-smart infrastructure in rural communities, we invest in rebuilding the middle class by creating good-paying jobs,” Maxson said. “The investments we are announcing today demonstrate how the Biden-Harris Administration has put rural communities at the heart of climate action and climate-smart solutions.”
This investment includes four projects in Pennsylvania that were awarded more than $142,000 in grant funds under the Rural Energy for America Program. These projects include:
- Northampton Community College will use a $100,000 grant to help 26 agricultural producers and rural small businesses across Pennsylvania receive low cost energy assessments aimed at reducing their energy costs over time. Funds will also be used for administrative and travel expenses in addition to creating marketing materials, to bring awareness to the program. This grant award is part of the REAP Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants program.
- Stony Mountain Ranch in Auburn, Pa., used a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a 68.8-kilowatt roof mounted solar photovoltaic system. The solar panels will be installed on the roofs of two agriculture buildings on the farm. The farms primary agricultural activities are beef cattle, pastured pork and chicken, eggs, and hay. This project will realize an energy savings of $7,420 per year and will replace 74,967 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year or 119 percent of the farm needs, which is enough electricity to power six homes annually.
- Shenk’s Poultry LLC in Providence, Pa., used a 14,639 grant to purchase and install a 33.6-kilowatt roof mounted solar photovoltaic system. The solar panels will be installed on the roof of a chicken house on the poultry farm. This project will realize an energy savings of $4,309 per year and will replace 28,609 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year or 101 percent of the farm needs, which is enough electricity to power two homes annually.
- John Gross & Company Inc., in Mechanicsburg, Pa., used a $7,743 grant to purchase and install LED lighting in their warehouse. The business sells wholesale foods to the local area and the LED lighting will help improve its energy efficiency.
In addition to the projects in Pennsylvania, USDA made the following announcements today.
Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure:
USDA is investing $374 million through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 31 states. Through its Water and Environmental Programs, USDA funds vital water infrastructure that directly benefits the health, economic vitality, and environment of rural America.
For example, the city of Dunn, N.C., will use a $1.4 million loan and a $1.2 million grant to repair or replace 9,135 feet of sewer collection line, 42 manholes and 134 pipes. These modernizations will stop sewer system overflows, which will lead to cleaner rural water resources in the area and support a healthier environment for nearly 10,000 residents.
Renewable Energy in Rural Communities:
USDA is investing $78 million in renewable energy infrastructure in 30 states through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Projects financed under this program can help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that affects our climate.
For example, in Iowa, Textile Brewery LLC will use a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a 38-kilowatt (kW) solar array. This project will save the company nearly $20,000 in electricity costs and will replace 50 percent of the electricity it uses each year.
Rural Electric Infrastructure Upgrades:
USDA is investing $17.4 million in loans in New Mexico and South Dakota through the Electric Loan Program to build and improve rural electric infrastructure and connect residents to affordable and dependable power. The Electric Loan Program brings efficient, modern electric infrastructure to rural communities and finances wind, solar, natural gas and clean energy production. The program also provides loans to electric utilities to support vegetation management, which helps prevent forest fires.
For example, in South Dakota, Charles Mix Electric will use an $8.6 million loan to build 84 miles of electric line and construct a headquarters facility. Charles Mix Electric serves approximately 2,500 rural consumers over 1,310 miles of line.
Biofuel Infrastructure:
USDA is investing $18.4 million in 20 states through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to build infrastructure to help expand the availability of higher-blend renewable fuels by approximately 218 million gallons per year. This will give consumers more environmentally friendly fuel choices when they fill-up at the pump.
For example, in Georgia, RC Bells Inc. will use a $130,500 grant to replace four dispensers and a storage tank at a fueling station in Acworth. The infrastructure supported by this investment will expand the use of renewable fuels by approximately 420,000 gallons per year.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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