Nationwide, USDA is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states
Today, in honor of Earth Day 2021, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship. USDA is making the investments under the Water and Environmental Program, the Rural Energy for America Program, the Electric Loan Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.
More than $1.5 million of that is allotted to California communities and businesses.
“When we invest in accessible and modern climate-smart infrastructure in rural communities, we invest in rebuilding the middle class by creating good-paying jobs,” Maxson said. “The investments we are announcing today demonstrate how the Biden-Harris Administration has put rural communities at the heart of climate action and climate-smart solutions.”
Highlights of today’s announcement include investments in:
Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure:
In the Clearlake Oaks County Water District, a $1,037,000 investment will be used to provide additional financing to build much-needed water system improvements to the Clearlake Oaks County Water District system. Improvements include new pipelines, water tanks, back flow meters, and other necessary equipment that is vital for a secure water supply for the users of the Clearlake Oaks County Water District.
Renewable Energy in Rural Communities:
In Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties, $9,690 is being allotted to 12EC, LLC, a small family vineyard and winery that sells to area markets and restaurants in the Monterey and San Luis Obispo county areas. High energy cost comprises a large part of the vineyard's operating expenses. The grant will be used to purchase a 12-kilowatt solar array to offset electrical costs incurred by normal operations. The system will help this vineyard save $4,940 per year and will replace 16,468-kilowatt-hours per year with renewable electricity, which is enough electricity to power one home.
In San Luis Obispo County, $5,762 is allotted to The Groves on 41, A California Corporation, a woman-owned olive farm producing various blends and varieties of olive oil for sale to markets and restaurants in San Luis Obispo County. The grant will be used to purchase an 18-kW solar array to offset electrical costs incurred by normal operations. The system will help this farm save $7,830 per year on its utility bill and will replace 29,248-kW per year, which is enough electricity to power 2 homes.
In the San Francisco Bay area, $18,731 is being awarded to Everlasting Gardens, a woman-owned organic farm producing Asian foods for sale to local markets and restaurants. Project funds will be used to purchase a 17-kW solar array to offset electrical costs incurred by normal operations. Through this project, the farm will save $8,183 per year and will replace 24,068-kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power two homes.
In Fresno, $13,995 is being awarded to Batth Ranch, a woman-owned farm producing almonds, wine grapes, and raisins. Project funds will be used to purchase and install energy-efficiency agricultural irrigation equipment, such as a water filtering system and a high-efficiency pumping system that will improve efficiency by 13.2 percent. This project will save the ranch $1,940 per year and will reduce its energy use by 6,466-kWh per year.
Packaging Machinery Services Inc., a women-owned business in Fresno that repairs, rebuilds, and services equipment that is used to package agricultural products, is receiving a $19,963 grant to purchase a 20-kW solar array to offset electrical costs incurred by normal operations. The renewable energy system will help this rural business save $10,611 per year on its utility bill and will replace 31,209-kWh per year with renewable electricity, which is enough to power two homes.
In Guinda, a $14,426 grant to Sun Tracker Farms, a small, family-owned California Certified Organic farm in the rural Capay Valley, will be used to purchase a 13-kW solar array. Through this project, the business will save $5,072 per year and will replace 22050-kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power two homes per year.
Biofuel Infrastructure:
In Long Beach, $475,000 is being awarded to PCH Truck Stop Center Inc. This investment will be used to expand infrastructure the supports the sales and use of renewable fuels. This project will install eight B20 fuel dispensers and one biodiesel storage tank at a fueling station. This project will increase the amount of biodiesel sold by 676,401 gallons per year.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, 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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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