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Success Stories

Smith Island, Maryland

Investing in Wastewater Infrastructure is Key to Preserving Smith Island, Maryland

For the people living on Smith Island, the water matters. But it’s about more than the beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay from the picturesque island ten miles from the mainland. The multi‐generational residents depend on the surrounding Chesapeake Bay for their livelihoods. For many, crabbing, oystering, and ecotourism are what puts dollars in their bank accounts, and food on their tables. In rural communities…
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Use the filters below to find additional stories about how our programs have helped rural communities across the nation.

Search Results: 37 Stories
REAP Program

Save Money Save Energy

South Dakota USDA Rural Development recently partnered with Black Hills Power and Light based in Rapid City, SD to host four outreach seminars that provided participants with information on Black Hills Power energy efficiency rebates and incentives, customer service programs and… [Read More]
EnergyRenewable Energy
solar panels in Olympia

Solar Power Reduces Vender Energy Costs at Olympia Farmers Market

The Farmers Market in Washington State’s Capital City of Olympia attracts some 500,000 visitors during its nine-month run and generates about $5 million in sales. As the City of Olympia’s liaison to the Farmers Market, the Parks, Arts and Recreation Department was approached by… [Read More]
Renewable EnergySolar Energy

Somerset County Farm Saving Energy

With energy rates on the rise, farms everywhere are struggling to make ends-meet. Pennwood Farms in Berlin, a borough located approximately 75 miles southeast of Pittsburgh in Somerset County, is one of many dairy farms looking to curb the cost of energy by  producing it through… [Read More]
EnergyRenewable Energy
Solar Panel array

TPI Solar Projects

Today’s Power Inc. (TPI), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Arkansas Cooperative, Inc. (AECI).  AECI is a utility service company owned by all 17 electric cooperatives in Arkansas.  TPI was created to develop renewable energy.  TPI focuses on selling, installing, financing or… [Read More]
ElectricRenewable EnergySolar Energy
USOrdnancerobotfundedbyREAP

Northern Nevada Manufacturer Uses REAP to Overhaul Assembly Line, Saves Money on Automation and LED Lights

U.S. Ordnance, a Northern Nevada weapons manufacturing plant, recently overhauled its assembly line and energy systems with help from staff with Nevada Industry Excellence (NVIE) and USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Originally based out of California, owner-… [Read More]
EnergyRenewable EnergySolar Energy
Photo: A new solar energy production facility in the small, unincorporated community of Dairy, Oregon, is benefiting the community and a local farm.

Shining a Light on Solar Energy Benefits for Rural Farm, Community

A farm in the very small, rural community of Dairy in southern Oregon had a parcel of high elevation land that was hardly worth the effort to plant. The  low soil quality and poor irrigation made the land suitable for hay production and nothing else. More often, the field was… [Read More]
Solar EnergyRenewable Energy
Ashland Food Co-op’s 39-kilowatt solar system is decreasing its carbon footprint, reducing its utility costs, and supporting its sustainability goals.

Food Co-op Provides Leadership on Sustainability Issues

Since it was founded nearly half a century ago, the Ashland Food Co-op in rural southwest Oregon has modeled social and environmental responsibility. In addition to providing sustainably grown, local, organic food, this consumer-owned grocer also strives to minimize its impact… [Read More]
Renewable EnergySolar Energy

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