Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Bette Brand today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding grants for projects in all states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to reduce energy costs for farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses and institutions. “Lowering energy costs helps rural businesses improve their bottom line and create jobs,” Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to increasing economic development in America’s rural communities through strong partnerships because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
USDA is investing $9.3 million through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across the nation. Recipients can use REAP funding for a variety of needs, such as conducting energy audits and installing renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower and solar. Funds also can be used to make energy efficiency improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration. “Colorado is such a beautiful and colorful state and this USDA funding will allow recipients the opportunity to make their mark and move forward using renewable energy sources. In this round, 11 grants were awarded across our state, totaling $127,338,” said USDA Rural Development Colorado State Director Sallie Clark. A list of those projects is below:
• Seven grants were awarded to install Solar Array Systems: Linda Campbell, Carver Brewing Company, Inc, Colorado Federal Agency, Inc., Hispeed4U, Inc., KW Farms, MCG3, LLC, and Dale C. Parker.
• Three grants were awarded for lighting upgrades: Wiggins Supers LLC, North Park Supers, LLC, and Odells Super’s LLC.
• One grant was awarded for a Geothermal System: Courtney King Studios, LLC
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 on programs available in Colorado, visit www.rd.usda.gov/co.