Trump Administration Invests $47,766 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. 18, 2020 – The Trump Administration along with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Curt Coccodrilli today announced that USDA is investing $47,766 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:
- Cummings Lumber Company located in Troy, Pa. was awarded $6,000 and will be using the investments to upgrade a hardwood flooring manufacturing plant’s lighting to LED. The plant will save approximately 69% of the current electrical usage as a result of the project.
- Agnew Builders located in Linesville, Pa. was awarded $8,325 and will be used for the purchase and installation of an 11kW solar photovoltaic (pv) system. This project will generate 12,332 kWh per year and realize $2,466 of saving per year.
- Creekside Structures LLC located in Leola, Pa. was awarded $19,691which will be used to purchase and install 35kW roof mounted solar photovoltaic (pv) system. The solar panels will be installed on the roofs of the family owned furniture manufacturing buildings. This project will realize an energy savings of $5,338 per year, and will replace 42,062 kWh of electricity per year, or 96% of the business’ needs which is enough electricity to power almost four homes annually.
- Gingrich Builders located in Ephrata, Pa. was awarded $13,750 which will be used to purchase and install a 24kW roof mounted solar photovoltaic (pv) system. The solar panels will be installed on the roof of the family owned log home building company. This project will realize an energy savings of $3,949 per year and will replace 29,035 kWh of electricity per year or 114% of the business's needs which is enough electricity to power three homes.
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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