Funding Helps Hoosier Farmers and Small Businesses to Boost Clean Energy Access and Lower Energy Costs
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Indiana Deputy State Director Curtis Johnson announced today that USDA is partnering with Hoosier farmers and small businesses to expand access to clean energy and lower energy bills through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). USDA is investing $396,406 in loans and grants that will support six clean energy projects in Indiana.
"We are thrilled to partner with Hoosier farmers and small businesses to expand access to clean energy and lower energy bills through the Rural Energy for America Program," Johnson said. "These investments will not only benefit the recipients but also contribute to a more sustainable future for Indiana."
REAP enables agricultural producers and rural small business owners to expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses and address climate change while lowering energy costs for American families.
Here are the awards being announced today:
- In Fulton County, Jacob H. Riffle will use a $89,0334 grant to make energy-efficiency improvements to his operations in Fulton County, Indiana. Jacob H. Riffle is a family-owned farming corporation in that grows grain. Project funds will be used to purchase and install a grain dryer. This project will save the farm $23,670 annually and replace 416,227 kilowatt hours (kWh) (59 percent) annually, enough electricity to power 32 homes.
- In DeKalb County, Smaltz Real Estate Management, LLC, will use a $49,156 grant to purchase and install a 40 kilowatt (kW) solar array. Smaltz Real Estate Management LLC is a real estate business located in DeKalb County, Indiana. This project will save the business $67,939 annually and replace 52,282 kilowatt hours (kWh) (97 percent) annually.
- In LaGrange County, Bontrager & Sons Excavating, LLC, will use a $ 41,432 grant to purchase and install a 17.8 kilowatt (kW) solar array. Bontrager & Sons is located in LaGrange County, Indiana. This project will save the business $14,346 annually and replace 24,480 kilowatt hours (kWh) (14 percent) annually.
- In St. Joseph County, Clyde James will use a $ 52,961 grant to purchase and install a 39.2 kilowatt (kW) solar array. The system will be connected to a battery backup energy storage system to ensure the business never loses power. This project will save the business $7,111 annually in savings and replace 36,792 kilowatt hours (kWh) (141 percent) annually.
- In Whitley County, Ryan Geiger will use a $88,400 grant to purchase and install a grain dryer. The farm is located in Whitely County, Indiana. This project will save the farm $23,941 annually and replace 490,633 kilowatt hours (kWh) (61 percent) annually, enough electricity to power 37 homes.
- In Gibson County, Kissel Farms Inc., will use a $75,423 grant to purchase and install a 50 kilowatt (kW) solar array. The business is located in Gibson County, Indiana. This project will save the business $10,607 annually and replace 99,867 kilowatt hours (kWh) (86 percent) annually, enough electricity to power seven homes.
USDA continues to accept REAP applications and has set aside a portion of the program funds to support underutilized renewable energy technologies, like wind and geothermal power. For additional information, contact a local energy coordinator.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. REAP is a part of the President’s Justice40 Initiative which sets a goal that 40% of the benefits from certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. The program supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery Subscriber Page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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