U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

USDA Rural Development Awards Funding to 23 Nebraska Recipients to Assist with Energy Needs

Name
Jeff Carpenter
City
Lincoln
Release Date

Twenty-three Nebraska applicants have been selected to receive $486,026 in grants from USDA Rural Development through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).  Funds will be used to install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements that will promote energy conservation. 

“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 Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul, USDA Rural Development.  “Enough energy will be generated or saved to power 217 homes.”

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.  Additional information on the Rural Energy for America Program may be found at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency/ne or contact Jeff Carpenter, jeff.carpenter@ne.usda.gov; (402) 437-5554. 

Detailed below by county are the energy projects selected from Nebraska’s allocation of funding. Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant agreements.

Adams

  • Hastings HVAC, Inc. - $14,196 – Replace existing inefficient lighting throughout building.

Butler

  • Pete C Schmit and Sons, Ltd. - $34,750 – Install a 25 kW wind turbine to replace existing energy source.

Cedar

  • Kvols, Rod - $19,920 – Replace existing grain dryer with a more efficient model.

Cherry

  • Danielski Harvesting & Farming, LLC - $50,000 – Replace existing grain dryer with a more efficient model.

Custer

  • JJ & SE Jenkins, LLC - $18,750 – Install a 25 kW photo voltaic solar system on an existing building to replace existing energy source.

Dawes

  • Puchner, James - $12,605 – Replace two inefficient gas furnaces with two efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units, doors, lighting, and windows.

Dodge

  • Ortmeier, Michael J. - $5,439 – Diesel irrigation motor conversion and variable frequency drive.

Garden

  • Blue Creek Rentals, LLC - $2,535 – Add insulation to ceilings, radiant heat, and window coverings.

Hamilton

  • Hammond Enterprises, Inc. - $15,383 – Install a 25 kW photo voltaic solar system on an existing building to replace existing energy source.

  • Rose Chiropractic Center P.C. - $7,426 – Installation of a 24 kW photo voltaic solar system on an existing building to replace existing energy source.

  • Snoberger, Matt - $69,625 – Replace existing grain dryer with a more efficient model.

Holt

  • Braun’s IGA, Inc. - $18,651 – Replace coolers in grocery store.

  • The Alley/Millie’s Coffee - $10,240 – Replace existing windows and install an insulated roofing system to an existing building.

Keith

  • Haggard, Travis J - $28,799 – Replace existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit with more efficient model and upgrade roof insulation system.

  • Paxton Grocery & Meats, LLC - $49,999 – Replace freezers and coolers with more efficient models, add insulation, new ceiling, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Merrick

  • Central City Scale, Inc. - $18,750 – Install a 25 kW photo voltaic solar system on an existing building to replace existing energy source.

  • D Bar K, P.C. - $18,750 – Install a 25 kW photo voltaic solar system on an existing building to replace existing energy source.

  • Williams, Billy Monte - $24,558 – Install a 25 kW photo voltaic solar system on an existing building to replace existing energy source.

Phelps

  • Janssen & Sons Ford - $9,944 – Replace existing inefficient lighting and windows throughout building.

Scotts Bluff

  • Hoehn Farms, Inc. - $8,165 – Convert five windmill stock wells to five solar panels with solar submersible pumps.

Seward

  • Prestige Investments, LLC - $14,479 – Replace heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), light fixtures, and install an insulated roofing system to an existing building.

Sherman

  • Loup City Futures, Inc. - $4,981 – Replace two existing coolers and two existing air conditioning units.

York

  • Henderson Foodmart, LLC - $28,081 – Replace 20 new door freezers and ice cream cases, replace rear door, add roof insulation, and upgrade heating and cooling equipment.

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.