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.
Source: usda.gov
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy