Olympia, Wash., Oct. 21, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a significant partnership with farmers and small business owners aimed at expanding access to clean energy, creating jobs, and reducing energy costs through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“Farmers, rural business owners, and electric cooperatives are the backbone of our economy, and we are partnering with them to expand their operations while creating jobs and lowering energy costs,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The investments the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing today will support rural communities as they transition to clean energy and drive economic prosperity across the nation.”
USDA is investing $126 million in REAP grants to support 654 clean energy projects across 39 states, including four in Washington State. These investments will help agricultural producers and rural small business owners adopt renewable energy solutions like wind, solar, geothermal, and small hydropower. By increasing their use of clean energy, they’ll be able to lower costs, grow their businesses, and contribute to the fight against climate change.
In Washington State, several forward-thinking agricultural projects have been awarded funding to promote renewable energy and sustainability:
- Island Grown Farmers’ Cooperative will receive $92,323 for a renewable energy system at their Skagit County facility. This investment will fund a 97.68 kW solar array, generating or replacing 96,983 kWh annually, a 35% energy savings. The project will save the cooperative $11,330 per year, enough to power nine homes.
- Golden West Cattle Company LLC has been awarded $86,315 to install a 15.6 kW solar array in rural Lincoln County. This project will save the business $7,207 annually by replacing 68,516 kWh of energy, achieving a 46% energy savings and generating enough energy to power six homes.
- Get To-Gather Farm LLC in Clark County will receive $49,175 for a 24.6 kW solar array installation. The project is expected to generate 27,205 kWh annually, which will save the farm $2,213 per year. The system will provide 92.17% energy savings, enough to power three homes.
- Larry Bailey, owner of Clean Food Farm in Pierce County, has been awarded $25,543 for the installation of a 15.73 kW solar array. This system will replace 16,167 kWh annually, resulting in $2,000 in savings, enough to power one home.
“Here in Washington, we see the immense value in helping farmers and small businesses harness clean energy to strengthen their operations and the communities around them,” said Helen Price Johnson, USDA Rural Development State Director. “By investing in renewable energy, we’re not only reducing costs for local businesses, but we’re also creating jobs and leading the way toward a more sustainable future. These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to rural prosperity and environmental stewardship.”
Secretary Vilsack also announced an additional $600 million in REAP funds, available through three funding rounds from now until 2027. The first application deadlines are Dec. 31, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Each round will provide $180 million in general REAP funding and $20 million for underutilized renewable energy technology.
These funds, made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, will be the last REAP funding allocations from the legislation. Both REAP and the New ERA Program are part of the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to direct 40% of federal investments to disadvantaged communities.
For more information on REAP funding, see page 83449 of the Oct. 16 Federal Register or visit www.rd.usda.gov.wa.