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USDA Invests Nearly $208,000 in 19 Rural Wisconsin Renewable Energy Projects

Name
Kelly Edwards
City
Stevens Point
Release Date

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Stan Gruszynski announced today that USDA is investing nearly $208,000 in grants for 19  renewable energy projects in rural Wisconsin through its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

“USDA has a long history of supporting the research and development of renewable energy resources and is deeply involved in, and committed to, the Nation’s mission toward energy independence,” said Gruszynski. “By helping agricultural producers and rural small business owners save energy and foster renewable energy creation, Rural Development is not only improving the bottom line but also helping to reduce pollution, creating jobs, and promoting economically vibrant rural communities.”

For example, in Maiden Rock, WI, Vino in the Valley has been selected for a $13,125 grant to purchase and construct a new15 kw solar array system. The array is expected to generate enough electricity each year to save the winery an estimated $2,300 in annual electrical use, an offset of 38 percent of their current use. In addition, Glacier Ridge Organics, of Friendship, WI, is receiving a $7,650 grant to install a 13 kw grid tied, ground mounted electric system. When operational the system will generate energy to power 100 percent of the small organic business.

Nationwide, USDA is investing $63 million in loans and grants for 265 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide. These projects are expected to generate and/or save 207 million kWh of energy—enough to power more than 13,600 homes for a year.

Eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses may use REAP funds to make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters), small hydroelectric, ocean energy, hydrogen, and geothermal systems. Funding for the projects announced today is contingent upon the recipients meeting the terms of the grant agreement.

The next application deadline for REAP grants is November 2, 2015. USDA will issue a notice of available funding with more details on how to apply in the coming weeks. REAP was created by the 2008 Farm Bill and was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.

Since the start of the Obama Administration, USDA has supported more than 9,600 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide through REAP, providing more than $291 million in grants and $327 million in loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small business owners.

President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses, and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way—strengthening America's economy, small towns, and rural communities.

Full list of Wisconsin Recipients | PDF.