The Trump Administration announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $85,000 to help lower energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers in Delta, County in rural Colorado.
“Embracing innovative technologies allows rural businesses to become more efficient, which ultimately improves their bottom lines by keeping costs low and productivity high,” said USDA Rural Development Colorado State Director Sallie Clark. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Colorado in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives,” said Clark.
In Colorado, four entities were awarded grant funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). 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.
The projects announced today are:
- Custom Grains LLC., in Delta, received a $16,779 grant to install a 16.47kW solar PV system that will produce 27,424 kWh annually. This project will replace 100% of this rural small business’s current electrical usage. This will save the applicant approximately $2,000 annually on their electrical bill and is equivalent to offsetting the annual electrical usage of 2.6 homes.
- Elevation Mountain Grown Herbal Tea, LLC., in Hotchkiss received a $5,256 grant to install a 7kW solar PV system that will produce 20,931 kWh annually. This project will replace 68% of this rural small business’s current electrical usage. This will save the applicant approximately $1,100 annually on their electrical bill and is equivalent to offsetting the annual electrical usage of one home.
- Honey Rock LLC., in Delta, received a $47,784 grant to install a 60 KW solar PV system that will produce 96,615 kWh annually. This project will replace 96% of this agricultural producer’s projected electric irrigation usage. This will save the applicant approximately $12,000 annually on their electrical bill and is equivalent to offsetting the annual electrical usage of 9.3 homes.
- Leroux Creek Inn in Hotchkiss, received a $15,210 grant to install a 23kW solar PV system that will produce 32,815 kWh annually. This project will replace 100% of this rural small business’s current electrical usage. This will save the applicant approximately $3,600 annually on their electrical bill and is equivalent to offsetting the annual electrical usage of 3.2 homes.
“The projects announced today are perfect examples of how, right here in Colorado, we are embracing innovation and energy efficiency, not only to cut costs to support important, job-creating businesses or services in our community, but also to play our part in decreasing our environmental footprint,” said Clark.
The REAP program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Applications for the next round of funding are currently be accepted. Applications for Grants of $20,000 or less and Loan/Grant of $20,000 or less combinations are due by November 2, 2020. For additional information on this program in Colorado, contact Don Nunn, donald.nunn@usda.gov.
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 and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information in Colorado, visit www.rd.usda.gov/co