27 Grants to Ag Producers and Small Businesses Across Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa, July 26, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced that USDA is investing $806,660 in 27 projects across the state to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy, and create jobs for Iowa agricultural producers and rural small business owners with funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“The projects that are being funded today will help lower costs, create jobs in rural Iowa, and help rural Iowa communities grow,” said Director Greenfield. “Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary Vilsack, USDA is committed to ensuring farmers, ranchers, and small businesses are directly benefitting from the clean energy economy.” Audio:MP3, 493KB, 0:20
The REAP project grants are part of a larger nation-wide announcement today.
REAP grants in Iowa
A full list of today’s REAP awards in Iowa may be found here and include these:
-L&K Tabke Farms LLC received $164,250 in funding to install three 15 kilowatt wind turbines at its livestock production operation in Moville in Woodbury County. This project will realize $11,964 per year in savings and will replace 115,560 kilowatt hours per year (100 percent of previous use), which is enough electricity to power 11 homes.
-Kluver Chiropractic PC in Mount Vernon in Linn County received $10,500 in funding to install a 6.3 kilowatt solar array. This project is expected to save $1,409 per year. It will replace 7,478 kilowatt hours (100 percent of business energy usage) per year, which is enough energy to power one home.
-Cornelius Seed Corn Co., a corn farm operation near Bellevue in Jackson County, received $14,279 in funding to install a new LED lighting system. This project is expected to save $3,037 per year. It will save 31,306 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power two homes.
Background
Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $2.2 billion through REAP in 7,556 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will help rural business owners lower energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resiliency of operations.
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) 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 for American families.
USDA continues to accept REAP applications and has set aside a portion of the program funds to support underutilized renewable energy technologies, such as wind and geothermal power. For additional information on application deadlines and submission details, contact a local energy coordinator.
A complete list of all REAP projects from today’s national announcement can be found online.
Contact USDA Rural Development in Iowa
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, 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.
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