U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Indiana Acting State Director Paul Fletcher announced that USDA is partnering with rural Hoosiers on 21 clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy and create jobs for Hoosier farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers. USDA also unveiled the “Rural Energy Resource Guide” to make it easier for rural communities to identify federal funding for clean energy, including programs made possible by President Biden’s historic Inflation Reduction Act.
"Clean energy in Indiana isn't just about reducing pollution, it's about creating new opportunities for rural small businesses and farmers to thrive," Fletcher said. "By embracing clean energy, Indiana is not only protecting the environment but also empowering rural communities to build a sustainable future."
Background: REAP
In all, USDA is providing $3,441,471 in funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to Hoosiers. The REAP program helps agricultural producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families.
These investments will cut energy costs for family farms and other businesses, increasing their resiliency and allowing them to invest back into their communities by creating new jobs and other opportunities. For example:
- In Johnson County, Macbeath Hardwood Company, will use a $816,360 grant to install an 820 kilowatt (kW) solar array. This project will save the business $123,632 annually and replace 1,166,308 kilowatt hours (kWh) (54 percent) annually, enough electricity to power 89 homes.
- In Jay County, DMH Family Farms General Partnership will use a $374,862 grant to purchase and install a grain dryer. This project will save the farm $17,451 annually and replace 465,435 kilowatt hours (kWh) (45 percent) annually, enough electricity to power 35 homes.
- In Allen County, Home Guard Industries will use a $345,687 grant to purchase and install a 374-kW solar array. This project will save the business $55,838 annually and replace 496,836 kWh (52 percent) annually, enough electricity to power 38 homes.
USDA has invested more than $2.1 billion through REAP in 7,216 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will help rural business owners lower energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen their resiliency of operations.
USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. The funding includes a dedicated portion for underutilized renewable energy technologies. For additional information about REAP click here.
A complete list of all REAP projects can be found online.
Background: Rural Energy Resource Guide
Today, USDA also unveiled the “Rural Energy Resource Guide” which will make it easier for rural communities to identify federal funding for clean energy, including programs made possible by President Biden’s historic Inflation Reduction Act.
The guide showcases USDA Rural Development programs that are helping individuals and organizations finance renewable energy systems and infrastructure across rural America. Programs featured in the guide offer funding to:
- Make energy-efficient home repairs.
- Finance small- or large-scale energy infrastructure.
- Fund energy efficiency equipment for business and industry.
- Generate emergency energy in rural areas.
- Produce clean energy from sources such as biobased materials.
The Rural Energy Resource Guide also includes stories from Rural Development customers on ways USDA programs and services have helped them meet their clean energy needs.
USDA 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. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery Subscriber Page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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