INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 31, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Indiana State Director Dr. Terry Goodin announced that USDA is awarding more than $14 million through the Rural Energy for America Program in loans and grants to rural Hoosier agriculture producers and small businesses. This funding helps these Hoosiers invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will lower their energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resilience of their operation.
The Department is awarding loans and grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), including funding from the landmark Inflation Reduction Act.
"Investing in Hoosier farms and small businesses create opportunities for our rural communities," Goodin said, "These once-in-a-generation investments in renewable energy, like wind and solar, and energy efficient technologies help create new markets and deliver real cost savings for our small and mid-sized agricultural operations and Main Street businesses."
For example:
- Nature's Methane - Huntington LLC will use a $7 million loan to purchase and install an anaerobic digester. The estimated production expected each year is enough to fuel 4,000 automobiles annually.
- Honeyville Metal LLC will use a $545,000 grant to purchase and install a 750 kW solar array at their family-owned metal fabrication business in LaGrange County, Indiana. This project will save $52,163 annually and replace 990,260 kWh (107 percent), enough energy to power 76 homes.
- Impact Holdings LLC, a real estate business in Whitley County, Indiana, will use a $515,000 grant to purchase and install a 507 kW solar array. This project will save $111,369 annually and generate 1,062,369 kWh, enough energy to power 81 homes.
Download the full list of recipients here.
The Department expects to make additional awards in the coming months.
USDA continues to accept applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. The funding includes $144.5 million for underutilized renewable energy technologies. For additional information on application deadlines and submission details, see page 19239 of the March 31 Federal Register.
Background: Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act makes the largest investment in climate action in history and is lowering energy costs, bringing opportunity to communities across America, and tackling the climate crisis through investments in agriculture, forest restoration, and rural communities.
The Inflation Reduction Act helps provide new funding and unprecedented incentives to expand clean energy, transform rural power production, create jobs, and spur economic growth. It is the largest single investment in rural electrification since the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
It provides funding to USDA Rural Development to help eligible organizations invest in renewable energy infrastructure and zero-emission systems and make energy-efficiency improvements that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
It will boost the long-term resiliency, reliability, and affordability of rural electric systems. It will help families save money on utility bills, and it will expand rural opportunities in the clean-energy economy.
For more information on the Inflation Reduction Act, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/inflation-reduction-act.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit www.rd.usda.gov/in or contact one of our USDA Rural Development Indiana state offices.
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/in.
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