U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Douglas Wilson today announced that the Trump Administration is investing $1.1 million in 85 projects to help farmers, ag producers, and rural-based businesses lower energy costs in Illinois. USDA is providing funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“Renewable energy generation is becoming more and more popular in rural Illinois. We see a wide variety of businesses, both on and off the farm, apply, Wilson said. Illinois was among the top states in applications for this program. With the growing demand for renewable energy, USDA Rural Development is proud to help in the expansion and growth of this energy source.”
Recipients can use REAP funding for energy audits and install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, and solar. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by improving heating, ventilation and cooling systems, insulation, and lighting, and refrigeration.
These Rural Development investments will be used to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations. For example:
- La Terra Partners: La Terra Partners is a grain farming operation located in Waterman, Ill. Project funds will be used to purchase and install a 45kW solar array to help power the farm. This project will realize more than $5,900 per year in savings and will replace 51,665-kilowatt-hours per year, which is enough energy to power 4 homes.
- Jones Chiropractic & Physical Therapy: Jones Chiropractic & Physical Therapy Ltd operates a chiropractic and physical therapy office located in Bunker Hill, Ill. Project funds will be used for the purchase and installation of a 28kW solar array to help power the business. This project will realize more than $3,500 per year in savings and will replace 34,167 kilowatt-hours per year, which is enough energy to power 3 homes.
- Dutton Pork: Dutton Pork, Inc. operates a finishing barn located in Alexis, Ill. Project funds will be used for the purchase and installation of a 44kW solar array to help power the business. This project will realize more than $5,300 per year in savings and will replace 61,248-kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power 5 homes.
- Paul & Dennis Allen Export, LLC: Paul and Dennis Allen Export, LLC, is a logging business located in Centralia, Ill. Project funds will be used for the purchase and installation of a 13kW solar array to help power the business. This project will realize more than $1,700 per year in savings and will replace 13,530-kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power 1 home.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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