Investments Will Make Rural Communities More Energy Independent and Resilient. Seven Projects in Puerto Rico Received Funds
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San Juan, PR, Dec. 03, 2021 –USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the Department is investing $668 million to reduce the impacts of climate change on rural communities. The Biden Administration has made combating the climate crisis a central priority.
“There is no question that rural America is feeling the impact of climate change, and our communities desperately need investments that will strengthen our resilience,” said Vilsack. “President Biden created a roadmap for how we can tackle the climate crisis and expand access to renewable energy infrastructure, all while creating good-paying jobs and saving people money on their energy costs. Thanks to the enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, USDA will be able to fund more and more critical projects like those announced today in the coming months and years.”
Vilsack highlighted 1,141 investments that USDA is making in five programs specifically designed to help people and businesses in rural areas of the 50 States, Guam, Puerto Rico and The Northern Mariana Island. These programs include Community Facilities Disaster Grants, Electric Loan Program, Rural Energy for America Program, Rural Energy Savings Program, and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.
Luis R. García, Acting State Director for USDA Rural Development Puerto Rico indicated seven projects received $500,000 grant funds from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
For example:
- San Pedro Farmacy of Lajas (Cortes-Lebron Family) is receiving a $56,760 REAP grant to purchase a renewable energy system and to develop energy efficiency improvements to their operation. This project will save them $41,414 a year in energy cost.
- Hatillo Cash & Carry, Inc., in Hatillo is receiving $259,010 in REAP grant funds to install a renewable energy system (a 1.17 megawatt). This system will save them $398,370 in energy cost annually, which is enough energy to power 175 houses.
- C & C Petroleum Inc. is receiving $49,387 in REAP grant funds. This Small Fuel Station, located in Juncos, will use the funds purchase and install a Solar Energy System, that will save them $20,793 a year in energy cost.
- A García & Company, Inc., a small Hardware Wholesaler in Arecibo. Is receiving a $42,500 REAP grant to purchase and install a renewable energy system This system will save $28,701 in energy cost per year.
- Other entities that were awarded REAP grants funds in Puerto Rico where Avicola Santos Inc., a small poultry Farm in Aibonito that will receive $41,343. Best Work Construction of San Lorenzo will receive $34,000 of REAP grant funds and Liselie Reyes Martinez, (Dental Clinic) in Barceloneta will receive $17,462. All these entities will purchase renewable energy systems.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, 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. This assistance 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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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