U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Hilda Legg today announced the USDA is investing $469,561 in rural businesses across Kentucky to help them lower their energy costs.
“Lowering energy costs means rural businesses have more capital to invest in jobs and growth,” said Legg. “These are the kinds of investments that have long-term benefits for not only the individual business but our rural communities as well.”
Hunt Farms
This $94,123 grant will help Hunt Farms replace an inefficient grain dryer with a tower drying system, which will help them save over $18,250 per year in energy costs.
Hamilton Grain Farms, LLC
This $29,985 grant will help Hamilton Grain Farms replace an inefficient grain dryer, which will help them save over $10,500 per year in energy costs.
Goose Creek Candles, LLC
This $49,895 grant will help Goose Creek Candles replace an HVAC system and add insulation, which will help them save approximately $4,000 per year in energy costs.
Gross Farms Inc.
This $43,643 grant will help Gross Farms install a solar system on their poultry farm, which will help them save over $10,000 per year in energy costs.
Jason Ralph Farms, LLC
This $37,791 grant will help Jason Ralph Farms install a solar system, which will help them save almost $5,500 per year in energy costs.
Bryant Gross
This $44,296 grant will help Bryant Gross install a solar system, which will help them save over $9,850 per year in energy costs.
Cundiff Farms
This $49,999 grant will help Cundiff Farms install a solar system, which will help them save over $30,700 per year in energy costs.
Denton, Darrel Lynn
This $45,875 grant will help Denton Farms install a solar system, which will help them save over $7,300 per year in energy costs.
Folz Farms
These $49,975 and $25,000 grants will be used to install two solar systems, which will help them save over $27,300 per year in energy costs.
Funding for these grants is provided through the Rural Energy for America Program, which can be used for energy audits and to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower and solar. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by making improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.