SALT LAKE CITY, April 1, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Michele Weaver today announced more than $1.8 million in Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) projects across eight Utah counties to lower energy costs, generate new income and create jobs for rural small businesses.
“These investments directed by President Biden are reducing the burden on our rural businesses and farming operations by lowering their energy costs,” Weaver said. “We can expect Utahns to save an average of more than 78% a year on their energy costs that they can then invest back into their businesses and communities.”
Today’s announcement includes 17 projects in Cache, Iron, Millard, Rich, San Juan, Summit, Wasatch, and Wayne counties. For example:
- Double Dollar Livestock ranch located in rural Millard County, will utilize $56,318 in grant funds towards purchasing and installing a solar array. This project plans to save over $3,400 annually and replace their current energy use by 100 percent.
- M & D Auto Parts and Repair, a small business in Wayne County plans to use a $83,812 grant to purchase and install a solar array. The project is presumed to replace 100 percent of their average electricity use and save over $5,200 each year.
- Coral Sands RV Park in San Juan County, will receive a $245,432 grant to purchase and install a solar array. The project is expected to save over $17,651 and replace 100 percent of their energy usage per year.
- Monticello Merc Inc. situated in San Juan County is granted $71,775 to procure and install a solar array, resulting in a yearly savings of $4,395. It is anticipated that the solar array will reduce energy dependence by 100 percent.
The investments announced today are included in a national announcement made by USDA Secretary Vilsack during his visit to University of Nebraska Omaha, where he discussed USDA’s $124 million funding efforts under the Biden-Harris Administration to invest in rural communities nationwide. Projects announced today are being funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which are the administration’s efforts to reduce costs on businesses and consumers.
Through the REAP program, USDA provides grants and loans to help ag producers and small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs.
The REAP program is part of the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal to deliver 40% of the benefits of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ut.
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