Huron, S.D., Sept. 7, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development South Dakota State Director Nikki Gronli today announced USDA is investing nearly $300,000 in critical infrastructure to combat climate change across rural South Dakota.
“Through RD’s REAP program, farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses can help lower energy costs,” said Gronli. “and people living in rural South Dakota will benefit from these lower costs.” [Audio: MP3, 314KB, 13 seconds]
The investments will help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems as well as make energy efficiency improvements. The investments will also help with energy audits, renewable energy technical assistance, and renewable energy site assessments. Some examples include:
- Leading Edge Industries will use a $46,489 Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grant to purchase and install a 20-loop geothermal heat pump system at a rural repair business located near Groton, South Dakota. This project is expected to replace $12,452 per year in energy costs and generate more than 194,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, which is enough electricity to power 17 homes.
- Jennifer Bjorgaard will use a $13,616 Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grant to purchase and install a more efficient heater, doors, lights, and skylights, at an equine boarding facility located near Aberdeen, South Dakota. This project will save $3,543.09 per year in energy costs and will save 34,313 kHw of electricity per year, which is enough electricity to power three homes.
- Benjamin Waxdahl and Matthew Waxdal will use a $20,000 Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grant to purchase and install a 32.4 kilowatt solar array system. This will generate energy to operate the hog farming business located in Moody County. This project will realize more than $4,600 per year in savings, and will replace 44,936.5 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power four homes.
This is the full list of South Dakota recipients of the $300,000 in critical infrastructure grants.
It reflects the many ways USDA Rural Development helps rural residents, businesses and communities address economic development, infrastructure and social service needs.
Background:
These investments reflect the goals of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which addresses immediate economic needs and includes the largest ever federal investment in clean energy for the future. For example, the Act includes $14 billion in funding for USDA programs that support the expansion of biofuels and help rural businesses and electric cooperatives transition to renewable energy and zero-emission systems.
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/sd. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page. For general inquiries, contact us at RD.SD@usda.gov.
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