State Director Greenfield announces investments in 28 Iowa projects
DES MOINES, Iowa, August 30, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced that the Agency is investing $409,400 in 28 grants to agriculture producers and rural small businesses to make investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will lower their energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resilience of their operations in Iowa.
“USDA’s investments in renewable energy play a critical role in driving economic growth in our rural Iowa neighborhoods,” said Director Greenfield. “Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary Vilsack, we are committed to helping expand Iowa’s clean energy framework and transform rural power production.”
The projects received funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) with funding made possible by the landmark Inflation Reduction Act.
Today’s news is part of a larger USDA announcement. The list of 28 Iowa projects may be found here. Three examples in Iowa are:
-Sprecher Family Chiropractic received a $9,280 grant to install a nine kilowatt solar array at its commercial business site in Boone, in Boone County. This project will replace 12,031 kilowatt hours per year—100 percent of previous use—which is enough energy to power one home.
-Holmes Transmission and Auto Repair Inc., an auto repair business in Monticello, in Jones County, received a $15,024 grant to install a 17.6 kilowatt solar array. This project is expected to save $3,958 per year. It will replace 22,096 kilowatt hours—100 percent of the business energy usage—per year.
-Meuser Lumber Company received a $19,187 grant to install a 17 kilowatt solar array at its lumber yard business in Elkader, in Clayton County. This project will realize $4,060.94 per year in savings and will replace 23,684 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough electricity to power two homes.
The Department expects to make additional awards in the coming months.
Since December 2022, USDA has made up to $1.3 billion available in REAP funding. Eligible applicants include rural small business owners and agricultural producers.
USDA continues to accept applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. The funding includes $144.5 million for underutilized renewable energy technologies. For additional information on application deadlines and submission details, see page 19239 of the March 31 Federal Register.
Background: Inflation Reduction Act
The Biden-Harris Administration championed the Inflation Reduction Act to help provide new funding and unprecedented incentives to expand clean energy, transform rural power production, create jobs and spur economic growth. It is the largest single investment in rural electrification since the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
The Inflation Reduction Act will boost the long-term resiliency, reliability and affordability of rural electric systems. It will help families save money on utility bills, and it will expand rural opportunities in the clean-energy economy.
Contact USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.3 million Iowans living in rural communities and areas. Office locations include a state office in Des Moines, along with area offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas in Iowa, call (515) 284-4663 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/ia. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, 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.
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