U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Colorado State Director Crestina M. Martinez announced 11 entities in Colorado have received $2,964,306 in grants for clean energy projects to lower energy bills and create jobs for U.S. agricultural producers and rural small businesses through projects funded through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“Today’s grants underscore the dedication and forward-thinking of rural Colorado in advancing renewable energy within their communities. The REAP projects awarded exemplify our commitment to fostering a sustainable future and driving economic growth,” said Martinez. The REAP awards deliver on President Biden’s promise to strengthen America’s energy security by increasing access to affordable and reliable renewable energy.
The projects announced today in Colorado are:
• Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. will use a grant for $726,954 for a 420.98 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic (PV) solar spread on their roundhouse building and diesel maintenance shop. The project is expected to save $56,321 per year and generate 730,165 kilowatt hours (kWh) or 106 percent of their historical energy use per year, which is enough energy to power 67.3 homes.
• Talbott's Mountain Gold, LLLP in Palisade will use a $713,000 grant to purchase and install a 420.1 kilowatt (kW) agri-voltaic solar array at their peach orchard. The system is expected to save $37,080 annually and will generate 750,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) or 101 percent of the company's energy use per year, which is enough energy to power 69 homes.
• Tailwind Nutrition will utilize a $95,760 grant to purchase and install a 54.72 kilowatt (kW) solar array on their commercial building located in Durango. The system is expected to replace nearly 100 percent of the company's annual energy use, saving them approximately $7,300 annually.
• James T. Duke Inc. dba Target Rental in Durango will use a $33,265 grant to purchase and install a 19.2 kilowatt (kW) solar array on their commercial building. The project is expected to save $704 per year and produce 126 percent of the company's energy use annually.
• Goff Engineering & Surveying Inc. in Durango will use a $44,595 grant to purchase and install a 27.2 kilowatt (kW) solar array on their commercial building. The project is expected to save $858 per year and will produce 116 percent of the company's energy use in a year.
• Daisy Lane Dairy Biogas LLC in Cope will use a $1,000,000 grant to build an anaerobic covered lagoon digester to capture biogas emissions and condition the captured gas to renewable biomethane. The project is expected to produce 52,004 Metric Million British Thermal Units annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17,041 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide equivalent each year.
• Durango Machining Innovations, LLC will utilize a $266,112 grant to purchase and install a 161.28 kilowatt (kW) solar array on their commercial production facility. This project will generate 286,895 kilowatt hours (kWh) replacing 85 percent of the company's annual energy use.
• Adelie LLC in Durango will use a $20,000 grant to install a 13.2 kilowatt (kW) solar array on their commercial building. The project is expected to save $1,780.89 per year. It will generate 17,509 kilowatt hours (kWh) or 142 percent of the company's annual energy use.
• Taylor Ross Dentistry in Pueblo West will utilize a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a 23.65 kilowatt (kW) solar array at their practice. The project is expected to save $8,258 per year. It will generate 42,327 kilowatt hours (kWh) or 111 percent of the company's annual energy use.
• K&J Thriftway in Center will use a $19,900 grant to install a new energy efficient heating system in their grocery store. The improvements are expected to save the company $2,695 per year in energy costs.
• Martha’s Fashion in Center will use a $12,360 grant to install insulation and air seal her commercial building. The improvements are expected to save the company $3,098 per year in energy costs.
The REAP program helps agricultural producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower 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. A complete list of all REAP projects can be found online.
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.
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. To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit www.rd.usda.gov/co