USDA Rural Development Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul announces that nearly $106,000 in loans and grants for 11 renewable energy or energy efficiency projects in Nebraska have been awarded through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“Through these projects, energy consumption will be reduced, thereby making more dollars available to be kept within rural Nebraska and assisting the state’s rural economy,” said Moul. “Enough energy will be generated or saved to power 180 homes.”
The following 10 projects were selected for grant funding:
Antelope
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Bartak, Paul Gregory - $10,943 – Diesel to electric irrigation motor conversion
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Bernie Hughes LLC - $7,239 – Diesel to electric irrigation motor conversion
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Erhardt, Lyle - $4,631 – Diesel to electric irrigation motor conversion
Cedar
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Hansen Hog Haven, Inc. - $16,915 – LED lighting replacement
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REPS Fitness, LLC - $4,676 – Replace front door, windows, lighting
Franklin
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Pitstop & Shop, Inc. - $3,884 – Lighting replacement
Holt
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Barlow, Keith - $4,049 – Diesel to electric irrigation motor conversion
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Olson Industries, Inc. – $7,460 – LED lighting replacement
Lancaster
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Bevans, William B. - $14,446 – Waste heat recovery systems
Sioux
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Hamaker, Lorie Lea - $3,257 – Replace windmills with solar and submersible pumps
In Dawes County, a guaranteed loan was made to Blaine Rentals of Chadron in the amount of $28,425 to replace a boiler and chiller.
Funding for the projects is contingent upon the recipients meeting the terms of the grant or loan agreement.
Eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses may use REAP funds to make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters), small hydroelectric, ocean energy, hydrogen, and geothermal.
The next application deadline for REAP grants is May 2, 2016. Guaranteed REAP loan competitions are held monthly. REAP was created by the 2008 Farm Bill and was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.
President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.