United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director Janice Blare announced the Department is investing over $1.77 million to reduce the impacts of climate change on rural Wyoming communities. As part of the Build Back Better agenda, the Biden-Harris Administration has made investing in rural communities, creating good-paying jobs and combating the climate crisis top priorities.
“Rural Development’s energy program funding has assisted two businesses to help them become more energy independent and resilient,” Blare said. “Wildman Farms will be able to save money after implementing a renewable energy source, and Sapp Bros Petroleum will be able to expand its current operations. That’s a win for Wyoming business.”
Wildman Farms, Inc in Manderson received a $5,885 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant to purchase and install a 7.82 kW grid-tied roof mount solar array. This family agricultural operation will offset 9,710 kWh of energy usage with solar powered energy per year and realize an approximate savings of $1,243 annually.
Sapp Bros Petroleum Inc received a $1.76 million Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) grant to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels. Sapp Bros Petroleum Inc is a fuel distribution facility company. This project will help install a new dedicated biodiesel tank and associated pumping and piping system; three 30,000 gallon biodiesel storage tanks and loading equipment; and convert a 200,000 gallon tank to hold biodiesel, adding insulation and heat trace piping at five locations in Connecticut, Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming.
Background:
Vilsack highlighted 793 investments that USDA is making in five programs specifically designed to help people and businesses in rural areas. These programs include Community Facilities Disaster Grants, Electric Loan Program, Rural Energy for America Program, Rural Energy Savings Program, and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.
The funding will help people in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. It reflects the many ways USDA Rural Development helps rural residents, businesses and communities address economic development, infrastructure and social service needs.
These investments will help build and improve rural electric infrastructure and connect residents to affordable and dependable power. They will help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. They will also help transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities offer higher ethanol and biodiesel blends to customers by sharing the costs to install fuel pumps, equipment and infrastructure.
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.
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