U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh today announced USDA is investing $121 million in critical infrastructure to combat climate change across rural America. The investments include $111 million for 289 projects to help people living in socially vulnerable communities.
Kentucky is one of 49 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico listed in today’s announcement.
“Rural America is on the front lines of climate change, and our communities deserve investments that will strengthen all of our resilience,” Bronaugh said. “The Biden-Harris administration has created a roadmap for how we can tackle the climate crisis and expand access to renewable energy infrastructure. The investments we’re announcing today and those that will be made possible by historic funding from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act will strengthen our energy security, create good-paying jobs and save Americans money on their energy costs.”
Appharvest Pulaski Farm LLC (Pulaski County) will use a $25,000,000 guaranteed loan to purchase energy efficiency equipment to reduce energy costs.
University of Kentucky Research Foundation (Fayette County) will use a $99,990 grant to conduct approximately 40 energy audits for rural small businesses and agricultural producers throughout the commonwealth of Kentucky.
Berea College (Madison County) will use a $100,000 grant to perform 26 renewable site assessments over 24 months that will assist rural small businesses in installing renewable energy at their businesses.
Denali Stud Inc. (Bourbon County) will use a $6,530 grant to purchase and install of a 12.9-kilowatt solar system.
Barr Farms Organic Produce LLC (Breckenridge County) will use a $4,559 grant to make energy efficiency improvements by replacing 15 chest freezers with a 12x12 walk-in freezer and upgrading a 12x12 air-conditioned uninsulated room with a 14x18 walk-in cooler.
Parkside Hotels LLC (Franklin County) will use a $13,972 grant to replace the current water heating system with an energy efficient tankless system at a hotel located in Franklin County.
MLRD Inc. (Franklin County) will use a $19,367 grant to replace a water heating system with an energy efficient tankless system at a business located in Franklin County.
Print My Threads LLC (Greenup County) will use an $18,003 grant to purchase and install an exterior insulation finish system and doors.
Print My Threads LLC (Greenup County) will also use a $13,808 grant to purchase and install a 19.4-kilowattsolar system.
Kentucky Heart & Vascular Specialists (Hardin County) will use a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a 25-kilowatt solar system.
Mark Tanaka (Jessamine County) will use a $6,097 grant to purchase and install a 15.58-kilowatt solar system.
Laugh N Learn (Larue County) will use a $15,500 grant to purchase and install a roof mounted 32.4-kilowatt solar system.
Lee's Plant Farm Inc. (Larue County) will use a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a 51.2-kilowatt solar system.
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.