LAKETOWN, Utah, Nov. 14, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Michele Weaver today announced that USDA is funding new projects in Utah to lower costs, expand access to clean energy and strengthen farms and small businesses. USDA is making investments through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), a program that has seen record demand in response to historic funding provided by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
“Today’s investments will ensure Utah’s farmers and small businesses have affordable ways to lead our state toward a cleaner and more prosperous future.” Weaver said. “Funding for these projects are examples of investments the Biden-Harris Administration has made to combat climate change on a personal level in Utah.”
Today USDA is investing $6.9 million in Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants for 26 rural small businesses, farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses. Funds will help purchase and install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for their rural small businesses and agricultural operations.
Some examples of these investments include:
- Buttars Tractor in Tremonton is a small business that sells agriculture equipment. This business of 30 years will install a roof-mounted solar PV system that is expected to save them $4,525 annually.
- Fullmer Brothers LLC is a family-owned farm in central Utah. Their farm operations will benefit from a 403.7 kilowatt PV system, that will provide an estimated 157% of their electric demand and save their farm operation over $37,000 annually.
- Bear Valley RV & Campground Resort in Panguitch is located in the heart of Bryce Canyon National Park. Their business will install a 135.8 kilowatt PV system to provide energy at their RV resort. The project is expected to produce 231,280 kilowatt-hours annually, and displace 116% of their electric demand.
A full list of projects from this announcement can be found here.
Weaver made the announcement at Ranchers Insurance in Laketown, where she met with business owner and rancher Brandon Willis, who is a past recipient of REAP funding. The project, a 69.75 kW solar array is near completion and will replace 114,529 kWh per year in energy consumption.
In fiscal year 2024 USDA invested $12.7 million in 72 REAP projects throughout the State of Utah. Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $16.7 million through REAP in 100 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements in Utah. REAP enables agricultural producers and rural small business owners to expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower energy to 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.
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. 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. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov/ut.