U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Indiana State Director Dr. Terry Goodin announced today that USDA is investing $932,267 to lower energy bills, generate new income, create jobs, and strengthen competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers.
“These Hoosier investments will expand access to renewable energy infrastructure.” Goodin said, “These investments will help rural businesses and agricultural producers save on energy costs.”
Today, the Department announced eight projects across Indiana received grant funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
These investments will cut energy costs for farmers and ag producers that can instead be used to create jobs and new revenue streams for people in their communities. For example:
- In Rossville, New Holland will install a 57.24 kilowatt (kW) solar array. New Holland Rossville is a farming business. This project saves the business $11,456 annually and generates 74,560 kilowatt hours(kWh) annually.
- In Sellersburg, Russell & Russell LLC will install a 107.54 kilowatt (kW) solar array. Russell & Russell LLC manages rental properties. This project saves the business $17,410 annually and generates 117,300 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually.
- In Butler, Don Hook Farms will install a grain dryer, which saves the farm $8,278 annually and replaces 95,619 kilowatt hours (kWh) (68 percent) annually.
- In Palmyra, Kiesler Machine will install a 52 kilowatt (kW) solar array. Kiesler Machine is a rural small business that does welding and fabrication. This project saves the business $3,481 annually and replaces 71,143 kilowatt hours (kWh) (132 percent) annually.
- In Corydon, Eckhart LLC will install a 56.71kilowatt (kW) solar array. Eckart LLC is an electrical and plumbing supply business. This project saves the business $7,565 annually and replaces 67,610 kilowatt hours (kWh) (20 percent) annually.
- In Poseyville, Steve Nottingham will install a grain dryer. Steven Nottingham produces grain. This project saves the farm $13,597 annually and replaces 277,853 kilowatt hours (kWh) (38 percent) annually.
- In Clarks Hill, Osborn Farms Partnership will install a 20.44 kilowatt (kW) solar array. This project saves the business $3,239 annually and replaces 27,935 kilowatt hours (kWh) (85 percent) annually.
- In Newburgh, Mower Medic, doing business as Sprinklers Plus, will install a nine-kilowatt (kW) solar array. Sprinklers Plus is a lawn irrigation design, service, and maintenance company. This project saves the business $2,014 annually and replaces 12,383 kilowatt hours (kWh) (131 percent) annually.
Background
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 will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. The funding includes a dedicated portion for underutilized renewable energy technologies. For additional information on application deadlines and submission details, see page 19239 of the March 31 Federal Register.
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.
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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