Trump Administration Invests $143,067 in Rural Energy for America Program in Rural Pennsylvania
Investment to Help Farmers, Rural Business and Agricultural Producers Boost Their Bottom Line
Harrisburg, PA., Aug. 14, 2020 – The Trump Administration along with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Curt Coccodrilli today announced that USDA is investing $143,067 to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses lower energy costs in rural Pennsylvania. USDA is providing the funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, I am delighted to announce these missions to help cultivate and advance renewable energy and energy efficiency technology into farmers, rural businesses and ag producers operations to help create jobs and help America become more energy independent,” Coccodrilli said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Pennsylvania in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural American thrives, all of America thrives.”
Recipients can use REAP funding for energy audits and to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower and solar. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by making improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.
In Pennsylvania:
- Shores Sisters Farm Market, Inc. located in Towanda, Pa. was awarded $13,067 to make energy efficiency improvements to refrigeration, freezer, and HVAC systems at a farm market. The veteran-owned business will save approximately 61% of current energy with these upgrades.
- Andrew Welkie from Middletown, Pa. will use $10,000 to assist The Welkie Dentistry Practice produce 20,397 kWh of renewable solar energy using solar panels and will provide 100% of this small business’ electrical needs. This is enough to power almost two (2) homes annually.
- D&K Graham Trucking Inc. located in Christiana, Pa. was awarded $20,000 that will be used for the purchase and installation of a 38.115 kW roof mounted solar array. This project will create an annual energy savings of $6,938 and will replace 45,113 kWh per year (100%), which is enough electricity to power 3.7 homes.
- Northampton County Area Community College located in Bethlehem, Pa. will use $100,000 to help 26 farms and rural small businesses determine if they could benefit from a renewable energy project. Funds will also be used to create marketing materials that will bring awareness to the college’s energy assessment program. Northampton Community College is experienced with rural energy development assistance and should be very successful with this program.
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 http://www.rd.usda.gov/pa.
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If you would like to schedule an interview with State Director Curt Coccodrilli, please contact Amber Albright at 717-237-2295 or Amber.Albright@usda.gov.
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