3 Projects Will Help Local Small Businesses
CASPER, Wyo., August 30, 2022 – Wyoming State Director for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Glenn Pauley announced USDA is investing over $28,000 in critical infrastructure through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“Rural Development’s REAP grants support the vitality of rural small businesses. Businesses and ag operations that take advantage of this program can save money on their energy costs, and diversify their energy usage,” said Pauley. “We know that profit margins may be tight sometimes, and this program is just one of the many we have that businesses are eligible to apply for.”
Copper Mountain Irrigation LLC, an irrigation supply and installation business in Worland, received a $17,577 REAP grant to install a 22 kilowatt (kW) grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The project will generate 32,319 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of power per year with an anticipated annual savings of $3,653.
On Point Builders LLC, a locally-owned wood shop located in Sheridan, will use a $6,250 REAP grant to purchase and install a 14kW PV solar array system. The system is estimated to generate 19,739kWh annually is expected to save the company $1,777 in electric costs per year.
In Lander, Uncle Sassy Farms, a locally-owned micro-sized urban farm, received a $4,698 REAP grant to purchase and install a 4.8kW PV solar array system. The system is estimated to generate 7,104 kWh annually is expected to save the company $661 in electric costs per year. The farm grows specialty mushrooms and microgreens.
The funding will help people in 49 states, Guam and Puerto Rico. It reflects the many ways USDA Rural Development helps rural residents, businesses and communities address economic development, infrastructure and social service needs.
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.
Background:
Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh highlighted a total of 415 investments that USDA is making through three programs specifically designed to help people and businesses in rural areas. These programs are Community Facilities Disaster Grants, Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants, and Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audits and Renewable Energy Development Grants.
The investments will help state and local government entities, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized Tribes construct, renovate or purchase and install equipment for essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. They also 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.
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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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