Seventeen Nebraska recipients have been selected to receive $193,621 in loans and grants for energy conservation. Funds will be used to install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Of the total Nebraska funding, $168,921 is in grants and $24,700 is in loans.
“These energy dollars will help make needed energy conservation improvements and install new renewable energy systems,” said Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul, USDA Rural Development. “Through these projects, energy consumption will be reduced, thereby making the recipients more profitable in rural Nebraska and assisting the state’s rural economy.”
The REAP program provides opportunities for farmers and rural small business owners to install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements, as well as explore the feasibility of implementing renewable energy projects. USDA remains focused on carrying out its mission and today’s announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy. Additional information on the Rural Energy for America Program may be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/NEBusinessPrograms_Rural_Energy_for_America_Program.htm
Detailed below are the energy projects selected from the Nebraska State Office allocation of funding. Funding is contingent upon the conditions of the grant and loan agreements being met by the recipient.
Todd Kennedy, in Holt County, received a $4,355 grant combined with $13,064 from the recipient to replace one diesel irrigation engine with an electric motor and underground wire. This project will realize a 66 percent savings or 390,565,048 British thermal units (BTU’s) and an annual savings of $9,865.
Harlan Herman, in Webster County, will use a $2,346 grant leveraged with $7,039 from the recipient to replace one diesel irrigation engine with an electric motor and underground wire. The applicant will realize a 66 percent savings, or 128,856,319 BTU’s and an annual savings of $2,456.
Nancy Heitshusen, in Dixon County, received a $9,243 grant combined with $27,728 from the recipient to replace two diesel irrigation engines with two electric motors. The applicant will realize a 66 percent savings, or 580,092,127 BTU’s and an annual savings of $13,693.
Colin Schwenka, in Kearney County, will use a $4,507 grant combined with $13,519 from the recipient to replace one diesel irrigation engine with an electric motor and underground wire. The applicant will realize a 66 percent savings, or 100,343,758 BTU’s and an annual savings of $1,887.
Kevan G. Stepp dba Seward Machine & Tool, in Seward County, received a $8,343 grant combined with $25,029 from the recipient to purchase and install a 15.0 kW PV Solar Panel System to generate approximately 23,936 kWh, with annual energy savings of $2,232.
Mike Wolf, in Boone County, received a $17,395 grant leveraged with $52,185 from the recipient to replace an existing inefficient grain dryer with a more efficient GSI grain drying system. The applicant will realize a 43 percent savings, or 554,758,528 BTU’s and an annual savings of $9,022.
N Pearson Farms, Inc., in Phelps County, will use a $10,356 grant combined with $31,066 from Pearson Farms to replace two diesel irrigation engines with two electric motors and underground wire. The applicant will realize a 66 percent savings, or 707,478,363 BTU’s and an annual savings of $17,967.
Debra Sindt, Insurance Agent, in Phelps County, received a $6,099 grant combined with $18,298 from the recipient to add an insulated roof system, insulate the exterior walls of building, replace windows, and replace lighting at their insurance building. The applicant will realize a 54 percent savings, or 27,798,625 BTU’s and an annual savings of $649.
Elliott and Son, Inc., in Box Butte County, will use a $12,374 grant combined with a $24,700 guaranteed loan, and $12,423 from Elliott and Son to replace three diesel irrigation engines with three electric motors and underground wire. The applicant will realize a 78 percent savings, or 3,296,291,557 BTU’s and an annual savings of $77,349.
Jerry Zuhlke, in Antelope County, received an $8,881 grant combined with $26,642 from the recipient to replace one diesel irrigation engine with one electric motor and submersible well. The applicant will realize a 66 percent savings, or 632,289,708 BTU’s and an annual savings of $12,456.
Matthew A. Ickes, in Holt County, will use a $2,694 grant, leveraged with $8,084 from the recipient to replace one diesel irrigation engine with one electric motor. The applicant will realize a 66 percent savings, or 293,472,811 BTU’s and an annual savings of $10,778.
Daniel Robert Vaughn, in Lincoln County, received a $12,494 grant combined with $37,482 from the recipient to replace two diesel irrigation engines with two electric motors and underground wire. The applicant will realize a 66 percent savings, or 961,560,302 BTU’s and an annual savings of $25,525.
Fleecs Ranch, Inc., in Lincoln County, received a $8,500 grant combined with $25,500 from Fleecs Ranch to replace one diesel irrigation engine with one electric motor, new pump in the well, and underground wire. The applicant will realize a 73 percent savings, or 430,293,972 BTU’s and an annual savings of $11,053.
William Keep, in Buffalo County, received a $34,710 grant leveraged with $104,128 from the recipient to convert two gravity irrigated fields to two pivot irrigated fields, completing two irrigation well rebowls, and installing underground pipe. The applicant will realize a 49 percent savings, or 429,867,000 BTU’s and an annual savings of $7,547.
Matthew Cederburg, in Kearney County, received a $4,534 grant combined with $13,602 from the recipient to replace one diesel irrigation engine with one electric motor, replace pump in irrigation well, and to install underground wire. The applicant will realize a 74 percent savings, or 63,379,525 BTU’s and an annual savings of $1,219.
Gewecke Family Farms, Inc., in Hall County, received a $17,500 grant combined with $52,500 from Gewecke Family Farms to replace an old inefficient grain dryer with a new more efficient grain drying system. The applicant will realize a 73 percent savings, or 654,919,231 BTU’s and an annual savings of $11,556.
Hutchinson and Associates, LLC, in Hall County, received a $4,590 grant leveraged with $13,773 from Hutchinson and Associates to add insulation to the attic, upgrade the heating ventilation and air conditioning system, and complete envelope air sealing. The applicant will realize a 39 percent savings, or 68,535,181 BTU’s and an annual savings of $703.
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.