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USDA Rural Development Arkansas Announces $173,500 in Clean Energy Project Grants for Rural Businesses

Name
Arlo Taylor
Email
john.taylor2@usda.gov
Phone
5013013231
City
Little Rock Arkansas
Release Date

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., January 22, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Arkansas State Director Jill Floyd announced today Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grant awards of more than $173,500 for clean energy projects to rural Arkansas businesses.

These investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements will help rural businesses lower their energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resilience of their operations. This funding is made possible in part by the President’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combatting the climate crisis.

“Investing in renewable energy projects in our rural communities helps rural Arkansans and businesses save money today while preparing for future opportunities,” said Director Floyd. “These projects power our rural communities with modern energy infrastructure and good-paying jobs you can feed your family with which drives economic prosperity and security.”

The projects funded by the grants are:

  • A grant of $79,499 to install a 96 kilowatt (kW) solar array at Hunter's Refuge, a sporting goods retailer, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. This project is expected to save $14,790 annually and generate 141,236 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year -- enough electricity to power 13 homes. 
  • A grant of $94,008 to install a 144 kilowatt (kW) solar system for Brian Stoner Farms' agricultural operations in Lexa, Arkansas. This project is expected to save $17,677 annually and generate 219,401 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year -- enough energy to power 20 homes.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners make energy efficiency improvements and expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families.

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