ANCHORAGE, Alaska, March 28, 2024 – USDA Rural Development Alaska State Director Julia Hnilicka today announced USDA is investing $94,930 in a solar energy project to benefit a rural small business in the Lake Louise region.
“Rural Alaskans bring hard work and creativity to their small businesses, which are critical to regional economic vitality,” Hnilicka said. “USDA Rural Development’s REAP program helps those businesses reduce their overall costs while supporting clean energy innovation. I’m so pleased to see Lake Louise Lodging participate in solar energy adoption.”
Lake Louise Lodging LLC will use a $94,930 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant to install a 24.5 kilowatt (kW) roof-mounted solar panels with battery energy storage at their remote lodge near Glennallen, Alaska. The system is estimated to produce 21,500 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough electricity to power 1.8 homes and offset some of their operating costs.
Through the REAP program, USDA provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs.
Today’s investment is included in a national USDA announcement totaling $120 million in 541 REAP projects across 44 states.
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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ak.