U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Trump Administration Invests $363,697 in Rural Energy for America Program in Rural Pennsylvania

Name
Amber Albright
Email
Amber.Albright@usda.gov
Phone
717-237-2295
City
Harrisburg
Release Date

Trump Administration Invests $363,697 in Rural Energy for America Program in Rural Pennsylvania

Investment to Help Farmers, Rural Business and Agricultural Producers Boost Their Bottom Line
 

Harrisburg, PA., Aug. 21, 2020 – The Trump Administration along with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Curt Coccodrilli today announced that USDA is investing $363,697 to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses lower energy costs in Pennsylvania. USDA is providing the funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). 

“Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, I am delighted to announce these missions to help cultivate and advance renewable energy and energy efficiency technology into farmers, rural businesses and ag producers operations to help create jobs and help America become more energy independent,” Coccodrilli said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Pennsylvania in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural American thrives, all of America thrives.”

Recipients can use REAP funding for energy audits and to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower and solar. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by making improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.

In Pennsylvania:

  • Clyde Wenger from Manheim, Pa. was awarded $45,000 and will be used to purchase and install a 125kW roof mounted solar electric photovoltaic system.  The solar panels will be installed on the roof of the Clyde Wenger family owned chicken farm. This project will realize an energy savings of $15,754 per year and will replace 132,390 kWh of electricity per year (98.5%) which is enough electricity to power at least 12 homes. 
  • Meadow Spring Farm located in Lititz, Pa. was awarded $76,613 and will be used to purchase and install a 260kW roof mounted solar photovoltaic system.  The solar panels will be installed on the barn roofs of the family owned dairy farm. This project will realize an energy savings of $56,438 per year and will replace 51,5347 kWh of electricity per year or 101% of the farms needs which is enough electricity to power more than 47 homes annually.
  • Cochranville, LLC. From Cochranville, Pa. was awarded $71,450 and will be used for the purchase and installation of a 197kW solar array roof mount.  Cochranville, LLC will realize $24,186.54 per year in savings and will replace 225,680 kWh (105%) per year.  This project will offset the use of approximately 4,278 trees, 387 barrels of oil and 183 tons of CO2.
  • Diamondback Automotive Accessories, Inc. located in Philipsburg, Pa. was awarded $122,109 and will be used for the purchase and installation of a 396.935kW roof mounted solar array.  Diamondback has been in business since 2004, specializing in truck covers.  This project will generate 414,000kWh in its first year which will offset more than $40,662 savings. 
  • Dennis Groff from Lancaster, Pa. was awarded $48,525 and will be used to purchase and install a 105.6kW roof mounted solar photovoltaic system.  The solar panels will be installed on the roofs of the family owned poultry barns. This project will realize an energy savings of $12,990 per year and will replace 113,949 kWh of electricity per year or 61% of the farm's needs which is enough electricity to power at least10 homes annually. 

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.

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

If you would like to schedule an interview with State Director Curt Coccodrilli, please contact Amber Albright at 717-237-2295 or Amber.Albright@usda.gov.

 

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.