U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Armando Valdez announced that USDA is investing $2,745,414 million in renewable energy and domestic fertilizer projects to lower energy bills, generate new income, create jobs, and strengthen competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers. Many of the projects are being funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combatting the climate crisis.
“Rural Coloradoans are to be commended for the ingenuity and hard work they’re doing to increase renewable energy in their communities and preparing them for a bright future. These investments help show their commitment to lowering costs, generating new income and strengthening competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers,” said Valdez.
The funding awarded in Colorado is through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The REAP program delivers on the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
In Colorado, 12 projects were awarded:
• In Boulder County, Niwot Corporation dba as Specialty Products, was awarded a $216,737 grant to install a 186.9 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic solar on the roof of their company. The project will replace 100 percent of their historical energy usage, realizing $29,600 in annual savings.
• In Delta County, HoneyRock LLC, was awarded a $72,104 grant to upgrade their cold storage facility. The improvements include insulation, lighting, and refrigeration. The entity will realize a savings of $10,200 annually.
• In El Paso County, Metal Roof Innovations LTD, will utilize a $66,251 grant to install a 54 kilowatt (kW) DC photovoltaic solar system to replace nearly 69 percent of their historical energy use saving the entity nearly $11,000 annually.
• In Fremont County, Estes Industries LLC, received a $520,000 grant to install a 480.15 kilowatt (kW) solar array at their manufacturing facility. The project is expected to save $138,550 per year and replace 98 percent of the operations energy use per year, which is enough to power 80 homes.
• In La Plata County, Sun Powered LLC, received a grant for $187,221 will install a solar array that, through a power purchase agreement, will benefit a wastewater treatment facility. The facility is expected to save $58,000 per year and bring down costs for residents. It will replace 652,923 kilowatt hours or 98 percent of the plant’s energy use per year, which is enough energy to power 60 homes.
• In La Plata County, Greyrock Properties LLC, will purchase and install a 26.35 kilowatt (kW) solar array on the roof of their commercial building with a $31,993 grant. This project is expected to save $5,505 per year.
• In La Plata County, Coons RE 4C LLC, will use a $31,492 grant to install a 24.23 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic solar array on the roof of their commercial building. The system will produce approximately 108 percent of their historical use, realizing a savings of $4, 961 annually.
• In La Plata County, Peak Brewing Company LLC will utilize a $79,070 grant to purchase and install a 61.2 kilowatt (kW) solar array on their commercial building. The project is expected to save $13,103 per year and will replace 92,280 kilowatt hours (kWh).
• In Mesa County, Grand Valley Hydropower LLC, was awarded a $248,000 grant to purchase and install equipment to retrofit an existing facility in the Town of Palisade. The equipment will increase the production by 4,028 megawatt hours (MWh) annually, making the total annual production 21,829 MWh, which is enough energy to power 371 homes.
• In Morgan County, Hoogland Farm LLC, will use a $51,800 grant to help their corn, hay, and alfalfa farm operation by installing a 36.9 kilowatt (kW) solar array. The project is expected to save $4,144 per year and replace 75 percent of the operations energy use per year, which is enough energy to power five homes.
• In Morgan County, McDonald NOCO, will utilize a $240,746 grant to install a 243.47 kilowatt (kW) DC photovoltaic solar system which will replace 92 percent of their historical energy usage.
• In Weld County, Bella Holsteins LLC, a $1,000,000 grant to install a 1,260 kilowatt solar array on their facility buildings at their dairy operation. The project is expected to save $130,911 per year and to replace 100 percent of the operations energy use per year, which is enough energy to power 112 homes.
Background
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families.
USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. The funding includes a dedicated portion for underutilized renewable energy technologies. For additional information on application deadlines and submission details in Colorado contact sm.co.reap@usda.gov.
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. To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit www.rd.usda.gov/co.