USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Karissa Stiers announced that USDA is awarding $400,000 in grants to help Kansas small businesses and agricultural producers to reduce energy usage and costs in their operations.
“The Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) creates an opportunity for businesses and agricultural producers to commit to investing in reducing energy costs or replacing energy needs with a renewable source,” said Stiers. “The return on investment and savings realized by REAP applicants, creates an opportunity for them to reinvest in their business.”
Nationwide, USDA is investing $237 million to support 423 businesses through the REAP Program. Recipients will use the loans and grants to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower and solar. The funds also may be used to make energy efficiency improvements to their heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; or lighting and refrigeration units.
USDA REAP Projects in Kansas
Energy Efficiency Projects
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B’s CVF, Inc.
Garnett, Kan.
$7,873 REAP Grant
Funds will be used to replace inefficient lighting, water heaters, and a compressor in two meat processing plants.
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John’s Market, Inc.
Troy, Kan.
$26,965 REAP Grant
Funds will be used to replace inefficient lighting and refrigeration in the local grocery store.
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Mitten, Inc.
Oakley, Kan.
$36,990 REAP Grant
Funds will be used for the purchase and installation of LED lighting. -
Walnut Valley Packing, LLC
El Dorado, Kan.
$5,005 REAP Grant
Funds will be used to replace an existing water heater with a newer energy efficient model.
Renewable Energy Projects
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B’s CVF, Inc.
Garnett, Kan.
$49,941 Grant
Funds will be used to install solar panels on two separate meat processing plants.
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Citizens State Bank & Trust Company
Woodbine, Kan.
$49,403 REAP Grant
Funds will be used to install rooftop solar panel systems at five bank locations.
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Grant County Bank
Ulysses, Kan.
$65,000 REAP Grant
Funds will be used to install a 99.9 kilowatt solar array.
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King City Lumber
Oskaloosa, Kan., and Mound City, Mo.
$47,250 REAP Grant
Funds will be used to install photovoltaic solar panels at two lumber yards.
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Manzer Family Medicine, LLC
Galena, Kan., and Columbus, Kan.
$77,868 REAP Grant
Funds will be used to install solar panels on two rural medical clinics.
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Stickler Holstein Farm, LLC
Iola, Kan.
$33,705 REAP Grant
Funds will be used to install 225 photovoltaic solar panels.
Since 2009, $13 billion has been invested by USDA to start or expand nearly 112,000 rural businesses; helped 1.1 million rural residents buy homes; funded nearly 9,200 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities; and helped bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses.
In addition to the grants announced today, USDA is reminding applicants that its accepting applications for the next REAP application deadline on March 31. For more information on the REAP program, contact a USDA Rural Development Business Program specialist in Kansas:
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Doug Bruggeman, Hays Office, 785-628-3081, Ext. 435, doug.bruggeman@ks.usda.gov
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Katie Casper, Iola Office, 620-380-3111, katie.casper@ks.usda.gov
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David Kramer, Topeka Office, 785-271-2736, david.kramer@ks.usda.gov
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Travis Snider, Newton Office, 316-282-3477, travis.snider@ks.usda.gov