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Trump Administration Invests $1 million in Renewable Energy in Rural Tennessee

Name
Charron Culp
City
NASHVILLE
Release Date

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 17, 2020 - The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $1 million to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses lower energy costs in rural Tennessee (FY2020_TN-REAP Listing) 

“Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency helps farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses save money and strengthen their bottom line,” said Jim Tracy. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Tennessee in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

In rural Tennessee:

  • MECO Corporation will use a $218,629 grant to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations. Meco Corporation is an existing small business in Greeneville, Tenn that primarily produces household appliances. Project funds will be used to provide energy efficiency improvements by replacing existing gas fired ovens with more energy efficient convection oven technologies. The new system will save an estimated 3,950,217,340 BTU annually, which represents a savings of $14,392.
  • Verrell Family Farms will receive a $93,893 grant to make energy efficiency improvements with the purchase and installation of a grain dryer. Verell Family Farms, Inc. is a family owned row crop farming operation located in Jackson, Tenn. This project will realize $49,507.21 per year in savings and will replace 301,137 kWh (46%) per year, which is enough energy to power 27 homes.
  • Brookside Hospitality, Inc. will receive an $80,135 grant for the purchase and installation of a 145.2 KW Solar Array. Brookside Hospitality, Inc, a resort hotel will realize $17,403 per year in savings, and will replace 202,646 kWh per year. This project will save enough electricity to power 20 homes. 

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/tn.

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