U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Dr. Tom Carew today announced over $1.9 million in grants awarded to nine businesses across rural Kentucky.
“These investments will help rural businesses expand clean energy usage and increase domestic fertilizer production, which will help save money while creating well-paying jobs,” said Carew. “Under the leadership of President Biden and Secretary Vilsack, USDA Rural Development is helping to ensure rural businesses and ag producers can benefit from the clean energy economy so they can then invest back into their businesses and communities.”
Bandana Ag Incorporated will use an $800,999 Fertilizer Production Expansion Program grant to expand an existing dry fertilizer facility in Kevil, Kentucky. This project will create two additional positions and is expected to yield 17,000 tons of dry packaged fertilizer annually, which will be made available to more than 150 local producers.
Evan M. Tate will use a $24,250 Rural Energy for America Program grant to purchase and install a 17.64-kilowatt solar system. The project is expected to save $2,328 per year in energy costs and generate 21,921 kilowatt hours of energy per year, which is enough to power approximately two homes.
OM Vallabh LLC will use a $71,472 Rural Energy for America Program grant to purchase and install a 56.4-kilowatt solar array. This project is expected to save $2,861 per year in energy cost and generate 70,643 kilowatt hours of energy per year, which is enough to power approximately 6.5 homes.
Frank Hinton & Son Inc. will use a $576,381 Rural Energy for America Program grant to purchase and install six solar systems totaling 178,417.64 kilowatts. The project is expected to save $68,079 per year in energy costs and generate 734,305 kilowatt hours of energy per year, which is enough to power approximately 67.7 homes.
Frank Hinton & Son Inc. will also use an $88,593 Rural Energy for America Program grant to upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as insulation and lighting in five locations. This project is expected to save $14,480.05 per year in energy costs and save 122,065 kilowatt hours of energy per year, which is enough to power approximately 11.2 homes.
Rainmaker Holdings III LLC will use a $112,571 Rural Energy for America Program grant to purchase and install a 98.56-kilowatt solar system. This project is expected to save $10,956 per year in energy costs and generate 127,692 kilowatt hours of energy per year, which is enough to power approximately 11.7 homes.
Nathaniel Byler dba Byler's Custom Meats will use a $31,825 Rural Energy for America Program grant to purchase and install a 15.2-kilowatt solar system. This project is expected to save $2,071 per year in energy costs and generate 18,088 kilowatt hours of energy per year, which is enough to power approximately 1.6 homes.
Carlton Page Barker will use a $103,195 Rural Energy for America Program grant to purchase and install an energy-efficient grain dryer. The project is expected to save $3,073 per year in energy costs and save 130,243 kilowatt hours of energy per year, which is enough to power approximately 12 homes.
Red River Gorgeous LLC will use a $28,542 Rural Energy for America Program grant to purchase and install mini-split heating, ventilation and air conditioning units. The project is expected to save $5,063 per year in energy costs and save 32,501 kilowatt hours of energy per year, which is enough to power approximately 2.9 homes.
Scott Host LLC will use a $118,448 Rural Energy for America Program grant to purchase and install a 101.6-kilowatt solar system. The project is expected to save $5,189 per year in energy costs and generate 128,751 kilowatt hours of energy per year, which is enough to power approximately 11.8 homes.
Background
The Rural Energy for America Program provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural 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 for American families.
Rural Development continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. The funding includes a dedicated portion for underutilized renewable energy technologies. For additional information on application deadlines and submission details, see page 19239 of the March 31 Federal Register.
The Fertilizer Production Expansion Program provides grants to independent business owners to help them modernize equipment, adopt new technologies, build production plants and more. Funding helps boost domestic fertilizer production, strengthen competition and lower costs for U.S. farmers.
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.