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On Earth Day, USDA is Highlighting Over $140,000 in Rural Energy Infrastructure Investments in Ohio

Name
Jessica Mancel
Phone
City
Columbus
Release Date

COLUMBUS, Ohio – April 22, 2021 – Today, in honor of Earth Day 2021, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ohio Rural Development Acting State Director Beth Huhn announced that USDA is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship. USDA is making the investments under the Water and Environmental Program, the Rural Energy for America Program, the Electric Loan Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.

The investments we are announcing today will not only aid agricultural producers and rural small business owners save energy and improve their bottom line, it is also helping to reduce pollution, create jobs and promote economically vibrant rural communities,”  Huhn said. “The investments demonstrate how the Biden-Harris Administration has put rural communities at the heart of renewable energy creation.”

Renewable Energy in Rural Communities

USDA is investing $78 million in renewable energy infrastructure in 30 states through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Projects financed under this program can help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that affects our climate.

Ohio highlights of today’s announcement include investments in:

Southeast Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC) is receiving a $100,000 grant to provide free solar assessments to rural, small, for-profit businesses and agricultural producers throughout Ohio. This is an expansion of the Solar Access Pathways program which SOPEC had developed for 18 counties in Southeast Ohio. At least 100 assessments are expected to be completed within a 12-month period. Fifty agricultural producers, 101 businesses and 50 small businesses will be assisted.

Miller Prosthetics & Orthotics LLC, prosthetic and orthotic manufacturing facility in Belpre, will use a $7,000 grant install a 14.2 kW solar PV system that will generate 17,848 kWh annually replacing 87 percent of the electricity purchased from the grid. The energy expected to be generated would offset electrical consumption of two households.

Howard Peller, a design service business in Roseville, will use a $10,000 grant to install a 15.6 kW solar PV system that will generate 20,352 kWh annually replacing 93 percent of the electricity purchased from the grid. The energy expected to be generated would offset electrical consumption of two households.

Grasshopper Property Maintenance Inc, a landscape maintenance company in Millersburg, will use a $6,000 grant to install a 9.6 kW solar PV system that will generate 10,895 kWh annually replacing 95 percent of the electricity purchased from the grid. The energy expected to be generated would offset electrical consumption of one household.

B&J Electric of Poland Inc, a family owned electrical contractor in North Lima, will use a $17,000 grant to install a 20.52 kW solar PV array that will generate 28,548 kWh annually replacing 100 percent of the electricity purchased from the grid. The energy expected to be generated would offset electrical consumption of two households.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, 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.

Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/oh or calling 614-255-2400. If you’d like to subscribe to Ohio USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

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