Photo courtesy: USDA.gov
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on August 15 announced more than $21 million in funding for 631 projects across the nation that will help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce their energy consumption and costs, use renewable energy technologies in their operations, and conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy projects. Farmers, ranchers, business owners, and agriculture producers in 42 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico will receive funding. Grants and loans are made through the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
New Hampshire received funding for three projects, all photovoltaic (PV) installations. A.B. Logging of Lancaster received a grant of $20,525. Northern Design Precast, Inc. of Loudon received a grant of $19,144. And Barrington Solar, LLC of Barrington received a grant of $118,332 and a loan of $182,000.
Larson Farm 40kW Solar System on tractor shed - Wells, VT
In Vermont, six projects were awarded $180,760 in REAP grant funding, “for businesses to reduce their carbon footprints, reduce energy costs and improve profitability, stated David Robinson, Acting State Director. USDA’s investment is leveraging $867,000 of private funding placing the bulk of project investment with the benefitting businesses.” Businesses receiving assistance include: Vermont Cranberry Company, Rodney Bushey Jr., Louise & Randi Calderwood, Lawrence Sloan Jr., Westminster Energy, LLC and The Big Picture Farm. A diversity of technologies was funded including: Solar photovoltaic, Micro Hydroelectric, Reverse Osmosis and an Electrical Generation System to support “Cow Power” energy production.
Massachusetts info not available due to the government shutdown.
For information about REAP grants/loans, please contact Cheryl Ducharme of USDA at 802-828-6083 or visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/nh-vtHome.html.
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