USDA Rural Development has announced that St. Hilaire Brothers Realty, in Lewiston, will receive a USDA Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant in the amount of $18,810 to install a solar photovoltaic system at its commercial warehouse in Lewiston.
USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Virginia Manuel said, “This is another example of a Maine business looking to the future and investing in the potential of a renewable energy system through our REAP Program. By investing in renewable energy St. Hilaire Brothers Realty will be able to significantly reduce operating costs and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the business and Lewiston’s economy.”
St. Hilaire Brothers Realty LLC, in Lewiston, will utilize the REAP Grant in the amount of $18,810 to install a new 26.4kW solar PV roof-mounted array to its commercial warehouse, which it leases to Industrial Roofing Companies, at 9 Ferry Road. The solar system will displace over 59% of its annual usage.
USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for future REAP funding. For application deadlines and details on how to apply, contact Brian Wilson at 990-9168 or at brian.wilson@me.usda.gov.
Since the start of the Obama Administration, REAP has helped finance 10,753 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that have reduced energy costs for rural businesses nationwide. During this period, USDA has provided almost $360 million in grants and $430 million in loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small business owners. When operational, these projects will generate/save an estimated 8.4 million megawatt hours - enough to power more than 760,000 homes for a year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. That’s the equivalent of removing more than 1 million cars from the road.
Funding of announced today is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement.
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.
USDA Rural Development has Area Offices located in Presque Isle, Bangor, Lewiston, and Scarborough, as well as a State Office, located in Bangor. There are 58 employees working to deliver the agency’s Housing, Business, and Community Programs, which are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, and farmers, and improve the quality of life in rural Maine. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at http://www.rd.usda.gov/me.