TOPEKA, Kansas, Dec. 10, 2019 -- U.S. Department of Agriculture State Director Lynne Hinrichsen announced that USDA is investing $237 million nationally to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses lower energy cost. In Kansas, five applicants were awarded funding, which was provided through the agency’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“The Rural Energy for America Program is an important element of financing for rural Kansas businesses and agricultural producers looking to invest in renewable energy or energy efficient systems,” said Hinrichsen. “Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy systems allows small businesses and ag producers to lower their direct costs, which can lead to a more prosperous business.”
Recipients can use REAP funding for energy audits and to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower and solar. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by making improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.
In Kansas the following small businesses and agricultural producers received REAP grants:
- Monty Cudney
Columbus, Kan.
$42,500 REAP Grant
Funds will be used to install a solar array system. - DKM
Paola, Kan.
$20,000 REAP Grant Funds will be used to install a 25.3 kilowatt solar array system. - Manzer Family Medicine
Galena, Kan.
$8,965 REAP Grant
Funds will be used to replace HVAC systems in doctors clinics in Galena and Columbus. - Plastics Extrusion Machinery LLC
McPherson, Kan.
$15,291 REAP Grant
Funds will be used to upgrading lighting, welder, heater, and exhaust. - Riverscreen Inc
Clay Center, Kan.
$48,535 REAP Grant
Funds will be used to install a 65 kilowatt solar array system. - DKM
Paola, Kan.
$20,000 REAP Grant
Funds will be used to install a 25.3 kilowatt solar array system.
USDA is currently accepting REAP grant and guaranteed loan applications. For more information, contact a USDA Business Programs staff member in Kansas:
Doug Bruggeman
Hays Office
(785) 624-3234
doug.bruggeman@usda.gov
Travis Snider
Newton Office
(316) 282-3477
travis.snider@usda.gov
David Kramer
Topeka Office
(785) 271-2736
david.kramer@usda.gov
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Supporting the rural workforce was a cornerstone recommendation of the task force.
To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ks.