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USDA Invests $97,000 in Renewable Energy Infrastructure to Help Rural Indiana Communities Build Back Better

Name
Jessica Mancel
Phone
City
Indianapolist
Release Date

Projects Will Support Climate-Smart Solutions to Lower Energy Costs for Six Businesses & Ag Producers 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, Sept. 9, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Indiana Rural Development Acting State Director Curtis Johnson announced that the Department is investing $464 million to build or improve renewable energy infrastructure and to help rural communities, agricultural producers and businesses lower energy costs in 48 states and Puerto Rico. 

“Rural Development recognizes that lowering energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers helps to expand economic development and employment opportunities for people in Indiana’s rural towns and communities,” Johnson said. “These investments are an example of USDA’s commitment to financing rural infrastructure that embraces renewable energy and supports America’s path to energy independence.”

USDA is financing these investments through the Rural Energy for America Program. This program provides funding to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. These climate-smart investments will conserve and generate more than 379 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) in rural America, which equates to enough electricity to power 35,677 homes per year. 

In Indiana:  

  • Larry J. Muckerheide, a Veteran agricultural producer who grows corn, soybeans, and wheat in Greenburg, will use a $19,500 grant to install a grain dryer. This project will save the farm $8,333 per year and will replace 180,122 kilowatt hours (55 percent) per year, which is enough electricity to power 13 homes. 
  • J&D Family Farms LLC, a grain farm in Waterloo, will use a $9,100 grant to install a 30 kilowatt solar array. This project will save $6,130 per year and replace 40,400 kilowatt hours (96 percent) per year.
  • Kraig Homan LLC, a hog farmer in Portland, will use a $20,000 grant to install a 173 kilowatt solar array. This project will save the business $21,594 per year and will replace 234,209 kilowatt hours (105 percent) per year, which is enough electricity to power 18 homes.
  • Bradley Armand, a corn, soybean and wheat agricultural producer in North Vernon, will use a $15,900 grant to install a grain dryer. This project will save the farm $9,870 per year and will replace 155,796 kilowatt hours (60 percent) per year, which is enough electricity to power 11 homes.
  • Fourth Generation Sewing and Vacuum LLC, a retailer offering high quality fabrics, sewing machines and vacuum cleaners in Warsaw, will use a $12,100 grant to install a 29 kilowatt solar array. This project will save the business $6,108 per year and replace 38,180 kilowatt hours (93 percent) per year.
  • Ardis A. Kindig, a corn and soybean agricultural producer in Brook, will use a $20,000 grant to install a grain dryer. This project will save the farm $7,252 per year and will replace 315,458 kilowatt hours (64 percent) per year, which is enough electricity to power 24 homes.

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.

Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/in or calling 317-290-3100. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

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