Rural Business and Cooperative Programs Director Dana Kleinsasser visited Carson Drug, LLC and French Creek Supply, Inc. in Custer, South Dakota to see firsthand the substantial energy efficiency improvements made possible by funding from the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Carson Drug, LLC received $2,071 and French Creek Supply, Inc. received $3,255 in REAP grants.
“This REAP funding will assist with energy costs and those savings can be reinvested into the businesses to further their success,” said USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Bruce Jones.
Energy efficiency improvements made at Carson Drug, LLC and French Creek Supply, Inc. included upgrading the existing lighting to LED. The projects increased energy-efficiency for these retail stores by 58% and 64% respectively.
Carson and Wheeler both worked individually with Hetti Cekalla, USDA Rural Development Specialist, in South Dakota to finalize the application. The REAP grant can fund up to 25% of the overall energy efficient improvement or renewable energy system costs.
In federal fiscal year 2015, USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program delivered funds to 24 South Dakota projects for $1,118,998 for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
Rural small businesses, and farmers and ranchers are eligible to apply for REAP. Projects the grant can fund are either for renewable energy systems like solar, hydro and wind power, or for those that increase energy efficiency-such as variable speed drives for well pumps or new energy efficient lighting, heating or air conditioning systems.
"A guaranteed loan through REAP is also available for energy efficiency or renewable energy projects," said Jones. "Rural businesses that are considering an upgrade to HVAC systems for example, may be able to save 25% by pursuing a REAP grant/loan combination."
If you want to learn more, contact Rural Energy Coordinator Jolene Pravecek at the USDA Rural Development Office in Yankton at (605) 655-2662, Ext. 4 or by email at jolene.pravecek@sd.usda.gov.
USDA Rural Development has eight offices in the state that assist rural communities. Office locations include a state office in Huron, along with area offices in Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Yankton.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has produced historic investment in rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have strengthened America’s small towns and cities and helped improve the nation’s economy.