BOISE, Idaho, August 24, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Director for Idaho Rudy Soto today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $92,140 in grants to combat climate change across rural Idaho.
“These Rural Energy for America Program investments represent an opportunity for rural Idaho to contribute toward a renewable energy future while also benefiting small businesses and farmers by lowering their energy costs,” said Soto. “This program helps these agricultural producers and rural businesses owners of Idaho to invest their hard earned money back into their operations and local communities. We look forward to more of this funding that will made available to Idaho as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act.”
The grants will help small businesses in Idaho construct, renovate or purchase and install equipment for essential facilities in rural areas. It will help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. The investments will help with energy audits, renewable energy technical assistance, and renewable energy site assessments.
- Bootleg Inc. will receive a $20,000 grant. This funding will be used to help purchase and install a combination solar thermal/electric system in a newly constructed shop. Bootleg Inc. is a family-owned small arms business located in Ada County, Idaho. The investment will generate electricity saving the business $8,000 per year.
- Craig L. Wheeler, of Craigside Downs LLC, a small family-owned hay producing business located in Ada County, Idaho is receiving a grant in the amount of $12,945. The company will purchase and install a ground mounted solar electric system and save $4,173 annually.
- The family-owned KM Farms in Canyon County, Idaho is receiving $20,000 in grant dollars. This small row crop farm will aid the purchase and installation of a combination solar thermal/electric system in a newly constructed shop saving $8,000 per year.
- The Farm LLC, a family-owned Vegetable & Melon farm located in Payette County, Idaho is receiving a grant for $20,000. The farm will purchase and install a combination solar thermal/electric system saving the business $13,333 in electric costs per year.
- Peter Boerma, an individually owned electric generation business in Teton County, Idaho will receive $19,195 in grant funding to purchase and install systems on farmers buildings to produce energy and saving businesses $3,125 annually.
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.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, ensuring access to 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.