Grants Represent an Investment of $156,000 in Rural Maine
USDA Rural Development Rural Business and Cooperative Service Administrator Bette Brand today visited Andy’s Agway, in Dayton, to announce 12 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants to assist with renewable energy development and support Maine’s rural small businesses.
“I am so pleased that USDA Rural Development can be a part of supporting Andy’s Agway and eleven other rural Maine businesses,” Administrator Brand said. “Maine business owners are the champions of economic development in rural communities, and these grants will support jobs and help ensure our rural communities are prosperous places to live.”
Andy’s Agway hosted the announcement, inviting their customers to celebrate alongside the family-owned agribusiness. Andy’s Agway received a REAP grant in the amount of $14,215 to install solar renewable energy at its business, replacing all of its fossil fuel energy needs. ReVision Energy, the contractor who is assisting with the development and installation of the systems, was on hand to educate the public on solar renewable systems.
In Maine, 12 organizations will receive a total of $156,000 in grant funds through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for the installation of renewable energy systems, supporting these rural small businesses:
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Andy’s Agway, in Dayton, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amountof $14,215. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 24.96 kW solar PV array to benefit this family owned business. Andy's Agway supplies the local area with livestock feed, hay, animal bedding and pet food and supplies along with farm equipment, gardening tools and vegetable and flower seedlings. This project will save $2,700 per year and generate 28,861 kWh annually, replacing all of the business energy needs.
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Avena Botanicals, in Rockport, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $14,385. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 15.36 kW solar PV array to benefit this small business. Avena Botanicals is an herbal apothecary that grows and produces botanical products along with providing training in traditional herbal medicine. This project will save $3,256 in savings per year and generate 20,932 kWh annually, replacing all of the business energy needs.
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650 Cape Road Holdings, LLC., in Standish, has been selected to receive a REAP grant in the amount of $11,371. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 20.16 kW solar PV array to benefit this small business. 650 Cape Road Holdings, LLC is a real estate holding company owning and leasing property. Tower Publishing, a leading independent publisher of legal and business books in the New England area, will benefit from this solar installation. This project will replace 16,353 kWh (77 percent) and save $2,584 year.
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Songbird Farm, LLC., located in Unity, has been selected to receive a REAP grant in the amount of $4,746. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 13.44 kW solar PV array to benefit this small business. Songbird Farm, LLC is a small certified organic mixed vegetable and grain farm. Their products are sold primarily to wholesale markets, local natural food stores and coops and a regional distributor. This project will save $1,534 per year and generate 15,845 kWh annually.
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Chloe Allegra Holding, LLC., dba Modernist Pantry, in Eliot, has been selected to receive a REAP grant in the amount of $5,568. This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 41.6 kW roof-mounted solar array. Chloe Allegra Holdings, LLC is a real estate holding company that owns Modernist Pantry, LLC which supplies hard to find ingredients and culinary tools for everyone. This project will replace 416,526 kWh (95 percent ) and realize $8,375 in savings per year.
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Shawnee Peak Holdings, LLC., in Bridgton, has been selected to receive a REAP grant in the amount of $12,991. This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 20.48 kW roof-mounted solar array. Shawnee Peak Holdings, LLC owns and operates a Shawnee Peak, a ski recreational facility in operation for more than 80 years. This project will save $3,675 in savings per year and generate 22,971 kWh annually, replacing all the business energy needs.
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Foreign Autoworks, Inc., in Kittery, has been selected to receive a REAP grant in the amount of $15,761. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 24.09 kW solar PV array to benefit this small business. Foreign Autoworks Inc. has been providing automobile and light truck repairs services for over 43 years in Southern Maine. This project will save $3,924 per year and generate 27,149 kWh annually.
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Fogtown Brewing Company, LLC, in Ellsworth, has been selected to receive a REAP grant in the amount of $9,750. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 17.4 kW solar PV array to benefit this small business. Since 2017, Fogtown Brewing Company LLC has been crafting their own variety of beers using Maine-grown berries, hops and oats and hosting community friendly entertainment. This project will replace 20,768 kWh (76percent) and save $3,634 in savings per year.
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Lee S. Wilbur & Co., in Southwest Harbor, has been selected to receive a REAP grant in the amount of $13,475. This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 21.56 kW roof-mounted solar array. Since 1973, Lee S. Wilbur & Co. has been producing high quality custom yachts. This project will replace 26,429 kWh (54percent) and realize $4,229 in savings per year.
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32 Lovers Lane, LLC., in Cushing, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $20,000. This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 67.62 kW ground-mounted solar array. 32 Lovers Lane, LLC is a real estate holding company. This project will realize $13,533 in savings per year and replace 90,223 kWh (99percent), which is enough electricity to power eight homes.
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487 Development Corporation, LLC., in Pittsfield, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $13,378. This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 34.2 kW roof-mounted solar array. 487 Development Corporation, LLC is a real estate holding company providing rental spaces and services that reduce risk for local businesses, assist in developing quality jobs, demonstrate environmental leadership and strives to strengthen their local community's economic health. This project will replace 33,908 kWh (47 percent) and realize $5,086 in savings per year.
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JR Fabrication, located in New Portland, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $20,000. This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 42.24 kW roof-mounted solar array. JR Fabrication produces custom metal parts, components and products. This project will realize $10,458 in savings per year and replace 50,178 kWh annually. The REAP Program can assist rural businesses in many ways, including energy audits and renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower and solar. They also can be used to make energy efficiency improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.
For more information on the REAP Program, please contact Cheryl Pelletier at (207) 764-4157 or email her at Cheryl.Pelletier@usda.gov.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/me.