USDA also opens applications for $600 million in additional funding for farms, small business owners through the Rural Energy for America Program
AMHERST, MA, Oct. 18, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is partnering with farmers and small business owners to expand access to clean energy—creating jobs and lowering energy bills through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program. This funding, made possibly by President Biden’s Inflation Act, includes 654 grants that will help small American businesses and farms implement cost-saving clean energy systems on their properties.
“These investments directly and positively affect not only the businesses they’re awarded to, but the people who live throughout Southern New England,” USDA Rural Development State Director Scott Soares said. “The grants provided from this initiative will allow them to save money through clean energy, while advancing local businesses and supporting a better environment for surrounding communities. USDA is proud to support rural America through modern initiatives like these, paving the way for a more sustainable future.”
In Connecticut, USDA is awarding $966,900 in grants to five businesses:
- In Thomaston, Cricket Hill Garden LLC will receive a grant of $18,251 to purchase and install a 12-kilowatt roof-mounted photovoltaic solar system, which will replace 11,760 kilowatt hours of electricity per year—enough to power one home.
- Cove NWCH Power LLC will use a grant of $475,500 to purchase and install a 410-kilowatt roof-mounted photovoltaic solar system, which is expected to replace/generate 505,578 kilowatt hours of electricity per year—enough to power 46 homes.
- In Bethany, Bethany Farm and Nursery LLC will receive a grant of $36,314 to purchase and install a more energy-efficient project.
- Cove Solar - Commercial Blvd LLC will use a grant of $190,000 to purchase and install a 165.24-kilowatt roof-mounted photovoltaic solar system. The project is expected to generate 192,132 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which is enough to power 17 homes.
- Atithi Group Connecticut LLC will receive a grant of $246,835 to purchase and install a 178.8-kilowatt roof-mounted photovoltaic solar system, expected to replace/generate 206,900 kilowatt hours of electricity per year—enough to power 19 homes.
In Massachusetts, USDA is awarding $902,106 in grants for five businesses:
- In Ashley Falls, Konkapot Tree and Timber LLC in will receive a $63,200 grant to purchase and install a 25.2-kilowatt ground mounted photovoltaic solar system, which is expected to generate 32,440 kilowatt hours of electricity per year—enough to power three homes.
- In Fitchburg, Rydemore Heavy Duty Truck Parts Inc. will use a $251,919 grant to purchase and install a 53.35-kilowatt roof-mounted photovoltaic solar system to replace/generate 64,249 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which is enough to power five homes.
- In Greenfield, Forza Autogroup Inc. will use a $148,526 grant to purchase and install a 128.04-kilowatt roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system, expected to replace/generate 143,519 kilowatt hours of electricity per year—enough to power 13 homes.
- 705 Pleasant Street LLC will receive a $191,491 grant to purchase and install a 165.1-kilowatt roof-mounted photovoltaic solar system. The project is expected to replace/generate 178,294 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which is enough to power 16 homes.
- Nashoba Valley Spirits LTD will use a $246,970 grant to purchase and install a 135.84-kilowatt roof mounted photovoltaic solar system, expected to replace 140,689 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which is enough to power 12 homes.
Through REAP, USDA partners with agricultural producers and small businesses to lower business costs through clean energy and energy efficiency systems. The New ERA program provides funding to member-owned rural electric cooperatives to transition to clean energy, keeping electricity costs low for hardworking families, farmers and small business owners and preventing power outages in the face of extreme weather exacerbated by the climate crisis.
REAP Inflation Reduction Act Funding Availability
As part of today’s announcement, USDA will make available an additional $600 million across three funding rounds from now until 2027.
During each funding round, the Department expects to make available $180 million in general REAP funding and $20 million in set-aside funding for underutilized renewable energy technology.
USDA is accepting applications in this first round through two windows. The deadlines to apply are Dec. 31, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
Both REAP and the New ERA Program are a part of the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets a goal that 40% of the benefits from certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
For additional information about the REAP funding availability, see page 83449 of the Oct. 16 Federal Register.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA 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. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery Subscriber Page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under 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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