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Trump Administration Invests $969,000 through the Rural Energy for America Program in Rural Wisconsin

Name
Jessica Mancel
Phone
City
Stevens Point
Release Date

Investment will Save and Generate $359,000 for Farmers, Rural Business and Agricultural Producers

STEVENS POINT, Wis., Sept. 1, 2020 – Wisconsin State Director Frank Frassetto announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $969,000 in Wisconsin to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses lower energy costs.

"Embracing innovative technologies allows rural businesses to become more efficient, which ultimately improves their bottom lines by keeping costs low and productivity high," said Frassetto "Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Wisconsin in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives."

USDA is awarding the grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program provides grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. It also provides funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. The following are examples of projects being funding in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Vines & Rushes Winery LLC, a small winery in Ripon that also serves pizza, was awarded a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a 43-kW solar array. This project will generate 60,995 kWh per year.

Jagemann Stamping Company, a metal stamping company in Manitowoc, was awarded a $69,000 grant to purchase and install a 34-kW solar array and LED lighting through the facility. The array will produce enough electricity to power the new lighting. This project will replace 629,339 kWh per year.

Richard Keisner, a family farm owner in Chilton, was awarded a $5,000 grant to purchase and install a 8-kW solar array. This project will generate 11,302 kWh.

Badgerland Grain Farms LLC, grain farm in Evansville, was awarded a $19,000 grant to purchase and install a new grain dryer. This project will save the farm $10,000 per year in energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 18 residential home equivalents.

Liberty Quest Inc, a horse hoof care business in Fond du Lac, was awarded a $6,000 grant to purchase and install a 8-kW solar array. This project will generate 11,339 kWh per year.

Spiegelhoff's Market LLC, a small grocery store in Burlington, was awarded a $19,000 grant to purchase and install LED lighting throughout the store. This project will save the store $11,000 per year in energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 15 residential home equivalents.

Mighty Grand Dairy LLC, a multi-family dairy farm in Union Grove, was awarded a $83,000 grant to purchase and install a 199-kW solar array. This project will generate 281,163 kWh per year.

Petersen Resources LLC, a pipe manufacturing business in Fredonia, was awarded a $12,000 grant to purchase and install LED lighting throughout the facility. This project will save the business $8,000 per year in energy costs and reduce energy consumption by five residential home equivalents.

Gundrum Bros Farm LLC, a crop farm West Bend, was awarded a $43,000 grant to purchase and install a grain dryer. This project will save the farm $8,000 per year in energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 29 residential home equivalents.

Dream Center Properties LLC, a small rural business in Hartford, was awarded a $12,000 grant to purchase and install a 25.9-kW solar array. This project will generate 32,634 kWh per year.

Gartzke Farms LLC, a veteran owned family farm in Larsen, was awarded a $10,000 grant to purchase and install a 20-kW solar array. This project will generate 25,997 kWh per year.

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, www.rd.usda.gov/wi, call us at 715-345-7600 or email wi-rd-stateoffice@usda.gov.

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.