INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 2, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Indiana State Director Dr. Terry Goodin today announced that USDA is awarding $2.1 million in loans and grants to help Hoosier agricultural producers and rural small business owners make energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments to lower energy costs, generate new income and strengthen the resiliency of their operations.
“USDA invests in rural America because we know strong communities are rooted in their people,” State Director Goodin said. “The investments announced today expand access to renewable energy infrastructure and saves these Hoosiers money on their energy costs.”
USDA is investing $2.1 million in 15 renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects across Indiana. The Department is awarding the loans and grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
The investments are helping to rebuild the Indiana’s infrastructure and build a clean-energy economy that will combat climate change and make rural communities more resilient.
For example:
- USDA Rural Development is investing $347,281 to Ladybug Cleaners. They operate laundromats and are installing energy-efficient washers and dryers. This project will save the business $22,859 annually and replaces 608,958 kilowatt hours (kWh) (30 percent) annually, which is enough electricity to power 46 homes.
- USDA Rural Development is investing $370,347 in John Rexing Farms. This investment is going towards the installation of a grain dryer. John Rexing Farms is a family-owned farming corporation that grows row crops. This project saves the farm $11,730 annually and replaces 257,429 kilowatt hours (kWh) (56 percent) annually, enough electricity to power 19 homes.
- USDA Rural Development is investing $141,963 in MKO Holdings, LLC, a real estate business. This investment helps them purchase and install a 130.34 kilowatt (kW) solar array. This project will save the business $16,266 annually and replaces 174,907 kilowatt hours (kWh) (93 percent) annually, which is enough electricity to power 13 homes.
To see the complete list of recipients, click here: USDA Rural Development Indiana - REAP Recipients
The Rural Development Indiana continues to accept REAP 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.
Since December 2022, USDA has made up to $1.3 billion available in REAP funding through the Inflation Reduction Act. Eligible applicants include rural small business owners and agricultural producers. The program is part of the Justice40 Initiative, which is working to ensure that 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments reach communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment.
Through the Inflation Reduction Act, the Administration is delivering on its promise to fight climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across America.
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 or contact the nearest USDA Rural Development state office.
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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