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 $66,264 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 $66,264 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. 19, 2020 – The Trump Administration along with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Curt Coccodrilli today announced that USDA is investing $66,264 to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses lower energy costs in rural 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:

  • Primordia Mushroom Farm located in Lenhartsville, Pa. was awarded $15,624 which will be used to purchase and install a 57kW roof mounted solar photovoltaic (pv) system. The solar panels will be installed on the barn roofs of the family mushroom farm. This project will realize an energy savings of $8,122 per year and will replace 67,685 kWh of electricity per year or 83% of the farm needs which is enough electricity to power more than six homes annually.
  • Survas, LLC (The Big Barn) located in Hollidaysburg, Pa. was awarded $1,163 which will be used for the purchase and installation of a 25.2 kW roof mount solar array. The solar array will provide energy to The Big Barn, a wedding venue and rental facility. This project will generate 28,282kWh of energy per year, or enough electricity to power two homes, therefore replacing 88% of the energy usage within that same year. This project will realize $2,814.06 per year in savings.
  • Patchwork Farm & Greenhouses located in Aaronsburg, Pa. was awarded $16,900 which will be used for the purchase and installation of a ground mounted 30kW DC using REC 375-Watt Solar Modules and SMA Inverters. Patchwork Farm & Greenhouse has been in business since 1992. This is a farm that specializes in bedding plants, perennials, hanging baskets and certified organic vegetables. This project will generate 39,103kWh in its first year which will offset more than $3,798 per year.
  • Twin Oak Nurseries located in Trout Run, Pa. was awarded $13,467 which will be used to purchase and install a 20kW solar photovoltaic (pv) system. This project will realize an energy savings of $3,641 per year and will replace 23,489 kWh of electricity per year or 87% of the nursery needs which is enough electricity to power over two homes annually.
  • Pristine Vision LLC located in Rome, Pa. was awarded $19,110 which will be utilized to install a 57.75KW roof mounted solar system. The solar system will replace approximately 73% of the building's current usage or 67,905kWhs 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.