Investment to Help Farmers, Rural Business and Agricultural Producers Boost Their Bottom Line
The Trump Administration along with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Curt Coccodrilli today announced that USDA is investing $284,185 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:
- Barry Farms located in Newmanstown, Pa. was awarded $168,650 and will be used to purchase and install a 725kW solar photovoltaic (pv) system. The solar panels will be installed on the family owned hog farm. This project will realize an energy savings of $67,507 per year and will replace 1,061,430 kWh of electricity per year or 588% of the farms needs which is enough electricity to power over 98 homes annually.
- Christopher Terwilliger from Warren Center, Pa. was awarded $12,750 and will be used to install a 13.23kw solar system which will provide renewable energy to a wood art business. The project is expected to save approximately 90% of current usage.
- Randall Andrews from Willow Street, Pa. was awarded $168,935 and will be used to purchase and install a 377kW roof mounted solar photovoltaic system. The solar panels will be installed on the roof of the family owned poultry barns. This project will realize an energy savings of $36,336 per year and will replace 513,786 kWh of electricity per year or 149% of the farms needs which is enough electricity to power more than 47 homes annually.
- Freedom Ranger Hatchery Inc. located in Reinholds, Pa. was awarded $50,000 and will be used to purchase and install a 234kW roof mounted solar photovoltaic system. The solar panels will be installed on the roof of the family owned poultry hatchery business. This project will realize an energy savings of $20,235 per year and will replace 238,063 kWh of electricity per year (53%) which is enough electricity to power at least 22 homes annually.
- Brownstone Acres Properties, LLC located in Manheim, Pa. was awarded $52,500 and will be used to purchase and install a 178kW solar photovoltaic system. This project will realize an energy savings of $14,375 per year and will replace 182,500 kWh of electricity per year or 101% of the business needs.
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.
If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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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