Investment to Help Rural Businesses Make Energy Efficiency Improvements
TEMPLE, TX Oct. 26, 2020 – The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $592 thousand to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses lower energy costs in Texas. USDA is providing the funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“By lowering energy costs, these businesses and ag producers can become more competitive and create more jobs that will help to make rural communities prosper,” said State Director Edd Hargett. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Texas in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Recipients can use REAP funding to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, wind, 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 rural Texas, the following projects are being announced today.
Smithville Solar One, LLC of Bastrop County is receiving a $397,079 grant to install a 1.432MW solar array. The project will produce 2,713,018 kwh annually, enough to power 250 homes, worth $151,935.
Navarro County Hospitality will use a $49,625 grant to install a 70KW solar array. The project will produce 107,487 kwh annually, enough to power 9 homes, worth $8,599.
MHNDP Hospitality LLC of Jack County is receiving a $49,625 grant to install a 70KW solar array. The project will produce 110,529 kwh annually, enough to power 10 homes, worth $11,052.00.
Metro Hillsboro Shiv, LLC of Hill County is receiving a $49,625 grant to install a 75KW solar array. The project will produce 122,068 kwh annually, enough to power 11 homes, worth $8,545.
Paul Dougherty of Wood County will use a $31,507 grant to install poultry house energy efficient retrofits. The project will save 464,596 kwh annually, enough to power 42 homes, worth $10,695.
Texas Mariculture - Carancahua Bay LP of Jackson County is receiving a $14,891 grant to upgrade aeration controls to energy efficient ones. The project will save 335,696 kwh annually, enough to power 30 homes, worth $19,627.
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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