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USDA Awards Four Alaska Recipients Rural Energy for America Program Grant Funding

Name
Larry Yerich, Public Information Coordinator
City
Anchorage
Release Date

U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development (USDA-RD) Alaska State Director Jim Nordlund today announced that four projects across the state have been awarded a total of $41,685 through USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

"Rural business owners, farmers and ag producers are utilizing USDA’s funding to reduce carbon emissions by incorporating energy-saving measures into their everyday operations and business plans," Nordlund said. "These actions not only improve their bottom line, they also support homegrown energy production and efficiency installations that help create jobs in rural Alaska."

USDA is providing $51.2 million in loan guarantees and $11.6 million in grants nationwide through the REAP for a total of 823 projects in every state, as well as in the Virgin Islands, the Western Pacific and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

The REAP also helps businesses create jobs in their communities through the development and installation of energy efficiency and generation projects, and help with cost saving benefits to the businesses.  REAP helps farmers and rural businesses reduce their carbon footprint and become more energy independent.

Congress created the REAP program in the 2002 Farm Bill. Because of the success of the program, Congress reauthorized it in the 2014 Farm Bill with guaranteed funding of at least $50 million annually for the duration of the five-year Farm Bill.

REAP is generating positive results in Alaska. For example, in May 2016, the Southeast Conference was awarded a $96,000 USDA-RD Energy Audit Grant to help fund 26 energy audits for rural small businesses and agricultural producers.  This project is within a designated USDA-RD Strike Force region and 15 communities have been selected for prioritization in the initial outreach effort taking place this summer.

Funding of each award announced today is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.             

The four Alaska grant recipients are:

Matthew A. Lorenz d.b.a For the Love of Gardening                  $9,811

To purchase and install a solar PV renewable energy system in the Glennallen area to assist an off-grid hydroponic grow unit producing salad greens for local distribution.  .

Naomi Young d.b.a Casa de la Arte                                               $5,260

To purchase and install a grid-tied solar PV renewable energy system at a new business location 1 mile south of Glennallen. The new building will be used for classes, studio space and gallery for local artisans.

Rivendell, LLC                                                                                  $19,999

To purchase and install a solar thermal renewable energy system on the Rivendell Hall building in Fairbanks. This system will produce most of the buildings’ domestic hot water year-round and some space heating in the winter.

Thomas Donald McNamara d.b.a. Oceanside Farms                   $6,615

To purchase and install a grid tied solar PV renewable energy system at Oceanside Farms in Homer. The grant scope includes funding for a solar powered electric fence and thermal solar collectors in the large hoop house.

Since 2009, USDA-RD) Alaska, has invested more than $2 billion in 226 rural Alaskan communities.  These investments include project funding for housing, community facilities, business, energy, water and sewer, telecom and electric.  All told, this funding has helped to grow rural Alaska’s economy and enhance the quality of life for its rural residents and that ultimately affects urban Alaska.