Investment to Help Farmers, Rural Business and Agricultural Producers Boost Their Bottom Line
Harrisburg, PA., Aug. 24, 2020 – The Trump Administration along with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Curt Coccodrilli today announced that USDA is investing $197,700 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:
- Elvin Stoltzfus from Lewisburg, Pa. was awarded $61,475 and will be used for the purchase and installation of an energy efficient grain dryer. Stoltzfus Farms is a family owned farm since 1967 that buys and sells grains. This project will save $38,374 of electricity and propane during its first year.
- Dover Area Animal Hospital, Inc. located in Dover, Pa. was awarded $50,000 and will be used for the purchase and installation of a 129-kW ground mount solar array. This project will realize $13,690 per year in savings and will replace 141,140 kWh (95 %) per year, which is enough electricity to offset 110 tons of the greenhouse gas CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
- Green Acres Outdoor Living located in Easton, Pa. was awarded $49,975 and will be used to purchase and install a 103.95kW roof mounted solar photovoltaic system. The solar panels will be installed on the roof of the family owned outdoor furniture and backyard structure business. This project will realize an energy savings of $9,223 a year and will replace 102,478 kWh of electricity per year or 99.4% of the business needs which is enough electricity to power 9.5 homes annually.
- Zimmerman Farm Services located in Bethel, Pa. was awarded $36,250 and will be used to purchase and install a 108kW roof mounted solar photovoltaic system. The solar panels will be installed on the roof of the family owned business which offers construction/rental farm equipment and repairs. This project will realize an energy savings of $9,741 per year and will replace 121,944 kWh of electricity per year or 110% of the business needs which is enough electricity to power at least 11 homes annually.
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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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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