During a visit today to Sodco Inc., USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden joined State Director Scott Soares to announce nearly $1.5 million in grants to upgrade clean energy systems to lower energy costs for a dozen farms and businesses in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
This funding is made possible in part by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combatting the climate crisis.
“Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is committed to ensuring farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses are directly benefitting from a clean energy economy,” Under Secretary Gooden said. “Through these investments, USDA is expanding access to renewable energy systems rural communities across Southern New England that will create good-paying jobs and save people money that they can invest back into their businesses and communities.”
“These investments matter to the people who operate these farms and businesses as well as the people who live in Southern New England,” USDA Rural Development State Director Scott Soares said, “The grants provided will enable them to install cost saving clean energy systems that will not only result in substantial cost savings for their operations, but also contribute local renewable energy generation and a healthier environment in their communities and beyond.”
Today, USDA is announcing $1.5 million in grants for 12 farms and businesses through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
Through REAP, USDA 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.
These investments will cut energy costs for farmers and ag producers that can instead be used to create jobs and new revenue streams for people in their communities.
For example, Sodco, Inc. in Rhode Island, is receiving a $98,385 grant to purchase and install a 53.55 kilowatt (kW) roof mount solar system at its family farm in Slocum. The project is expected to replace/generate 63,800 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, which is enough to power five homes.
In Connecticut, USDA is awarding $423,873 in grants to three farms and businesses:
- In Mystic, Seacoast Mushrooms LLC is receiving a nearly $279,939 in grant funding to purchase and install a 199.6 kW roof/ground-mounted solar system. The farm produces mushrooms, offering 10 varieties and producing over 600 pounds weekly. The project is expected to replace/generate 248,000 kWh of electricity per year, which is enough electricity to power 22 homes.
- In Northford, Defrancesco & Son Inc. is receiving a $90,734 grant to purchase and install a biomass furnace boiler system for their greenhouse operation. The project is expected to generate 4 million BTUs of energy per year, which is enough electricity to power 107 homes.
- In Coventry, AVH Equestrian Ventures LLC is receiving a $53,200 grant to purchase and install a 24.7 kW roof-mounted solar system at its CT Equestrian Center. The center offers lesson programs, events, and on-site care for the horses in their community. The project is expected to replace 26,500 kWh of electricity annually, enough to power two homes.
In Massachusetts, USDA is awarding $969,095 in grants for eight farms and businesses:
- In Great Barrington, Verdant Delta LLC., dba Gathered Waters Farm, is receiving a $93,868 grant to purchase and install a 28.8 kW round-mounted solar system. Gathered Waters Farm produces honey, medicinal herbs, and other value-added wholesale products. The project is expected to generate 33,359 kWh of electricity annually, enough to power three homes.
- New England Solar & Green Solution Inc., which provides green energy solutions to individuals and businesses, is receiving two grants. USDA is awarding a $42,250 grant to the company’s Williamstown location to purchase and install an energy-efficient geothermal heat pump system. The geothermal heat pumps are expected to save the company nearly $6,000 per year in electrical costs. USDA is also awarding the Hancock location a $19,500 grant to purchase and install a 17.02 kW roof-mounted solar system on the roof of their office building. The business focuses on providing solutions for green energy production for individuals and businesses. The project is expected to replace/generate more than 18,000 kWh of electricity per year.
- In Hinsdale, Wahnee-Taconic Berkshire Associates Inc. is receiving a $434,378 grant to purchase and install a 293.7 kW roof mount solar system. The project is expected to replace 271,000 kWh of electricity per year, which is enough to power 25 homes.
- In Rehoboth, Edlin Almeida Jr, dba Almeida & Son Truck, is receiving a $60,000 grant to purchase and install a 40.74 kW roof-mounted solar system. Almeida & Son is a general freight trucking business founded in 2004. The project is expected to generate 46,510 kWh of electricity, enough to power four homes.
- In Westfield, Paul Sena, dba Hickory Hill Farm, is receiving a $52,500 grant to purchase and install a 30 kW roof mounted solar system. The farm operates a maple sugar house, which produces approximately 2,000 gallons of syrup per year. The project is expected to replace 32,439 kWh of electricity per year, which is enough to power two homes.
- In Weston, Land's Sake Inc. is receiving a $99,980 grant to purchase and install a 66.15 kW roof-mounted solar system. This community farm offers hands-on educational programs and food donations to the local community. The project is expected to generate nearly 69,000 kWh of electricity annually, enough to power six homes.
- In Marion, Notch Your Average Tree Service LLC is receiving a $38,250 grant to purchase and install a 24 kW roof-mounted solar system. The business specializes in tree removal and stump grinding. The project expects to generate 30,868 kWh of electricity per year, enough to power two homes.
- In Bedford, Sharrock's Bakery Inc. is receiving a $128,369 grant to purchase and install a 125.76 kW roof mount solar system. This local bakery specializes in making British style crumpets. The project will reduce operating costs and is expected to generate more than 150,000 kWh of electricity per year, which is enough to power 13 homes.
USDA Rural Development is currently accepting applications through this program and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. For more information, or to apply, please contact Jordan Henault, Energy Coordinator, at Jordan.Henault@usda.gov or (413) 253-4319. Additional information on application deadlines and submission details is also available on page 19239 of the March 31 Federal Register.
The REAP program is part of 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.
Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $1.8 billion nationwide through REAP in over 6,000 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will help rural business owners' lower energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen their resiliency of operations.
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.
Source : usda.gov