U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Indiana Acting State Director Paul Fletcher announced today that USDA is partnering with Kenneth Stunkel farm and Club Fitness Inc. to expand their access to clean energy and lower energy bills through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Grant Program. Today, the USDA is investing $82,818 in grants and technical assistance to support these clean energy projects in Indiana.
"We are excited to see the positive outcomes of the Rural Energy for America Program through projects like those of Club Fitness Inc. and Kenneth Stunkel farm.” Fletcher stated, “These investments not only help businesses thrive but also align with our goals of fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship in rural Indiana."
REAP enables agricultural producers and rural small business owners to 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, and address climate change while lowering energy costs for American families.
Here are the awards:
- In Gibson County, Kenneth Stunkel will use a $30,186 grant to install a 33.54 kilowatt (kW) solar array. This project will save the business $4,612 annually and replace 46,427 kilowatt hours (kWh) (121 percent) annually.
- In Steuben County, Club Fitness Inc. will use a $52,632 grant to install a 68.6 kilowatt (kW) solar array for its operations. This project will save the business $16,435 annually and replace 90,525 kilowatt hours (kWh) (89 percent) annually, enough electricity to power six homes.
USDA continues to accept REAP applications and has set aside a portion of the program funds to support underutilized renewable energy technologies, like wind and geothermal power. For additional information, visit USDA Rural Development Indiana’s Energy Programs page.
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. REAP is a part of the President’s Justice40 initiative which sets a goal that 40% of the benefits from certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities. The program 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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