U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the department is investing nearly $800 million in climate-smart infrastructure in 40 states, Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Included are eight projects in Kentucky totaling over $203.7 million.
“People in rural America are experiencing the impacts of climate change in many ways. This includes more severe droughts, more frequent wildfires, and more destructive and life-threatening storms,” Vilsack said. “When we invest in infrastructure in rural communities, we are investing in our planet, and we’re also investing in the peace of mind families will have when kids are drinking clean and safe tap water in their homes. USDA is proud to celebrate Earth Day and the many ways we are addressing climate change and investing in locally-driven solutions to bring safe water and renewable energy to people in rural areas everywhere.”
Roy Sauder Farm (Casey County) will use a $18,928 Rural Energy for America Program grant to purchase and install a 43.2-kW solar system. This project will realize $4,896 per year in savings, and will replace 52,848 kWh of electricity, which is enough to power 4.8 homes.
Leon Sauder Farm (Casey County) will use a $19,859 Rural Energy for America Program grant to purchase and install a 51.6-kW solar system. This project will realize $6,252.39 per year in savings, and will replace 67,230 kWh of electricity, which is enough to power 6.19 homes.
Glenn Sauder Farm (Casey County) will use a $19,999 Rural Energy for America Program grant to purchase and install a 42-kW solar system. This project will realize $5,185 per year in savings, and will replace 56,073 kWh of electricity, which is enough to power 5.1 homes.
CAS Real Estate LLC (Hardin County) will use a $19,999 Rural Energy for America Program grant to purchase and install a roof mounted 39.5-kW solar system. This project will realize $5,376.51 per year in energy generation and will replace 47,371 kWh of electricity, which is enough to power 4.3 homes.
Lawless-Smith Supply Inc. (Russell County) will use a $19,859 Rural Energy for America Program grant to purchase and install a roof mounted 44.8-kW solar system. This project will realize $5,757 per year in energy generation, and will replace 52,228 kWh of electricity, which is enough to power 4.8 homes.
Wildside Winery dba The Grape Escape (Woodford County) will use a $19,929 Rural Energy for America Program grant to purchase and install a 29.2-kW solar system. This project will realize $4,440.88 per year in energy generation, and will replace 40,335 kWh of electricity, which is enough to power 3.7 homes.
Blue Grass Energy Cooperative Corp. (Jessamine County) will use a $60,000,000 electric infrastructure loan to connect 5,604 consumers as well as build and improve 436 miles of line. This loan includes smart grid technologies in the amount of $2,162,644. Blue Grass is headquartered in Nicholasville, Kentucky, and serves an average of 59,889 consumers in 23 counties throughout central and north-central Kentucky.
Kenergy Corp. (Henderson County) will use a $143,670,000 electric infrastructure loan to install 5,466 miles of backbone fiber to improve system monitoring, system security, and system operation. This will also allow smart grid applications to be implemented and intelligent controls to be placed into service throughout the system. Kenergy Corp., headquartered in Henderson, Kentucky, provides service to an average of 58,309 members over 7,183 miles in 14 counties in western Kentucky.
Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA 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.