By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant investment of $1,789,170 in grants to support 15 clean energy projects across rural Kansas.
This initiative, led by Kansas Rural Development Director Christy Davis, aims to help farmers and small businesses expand access to clean energy and reduce energy costs through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“The USDA is partnering with people in rural Kansas to expand access to clean energy,” said Davis. “We are working hard, supporting our small businesses and farmers as they create jobs for their communities.”
REAP enables agricultural producers and rural small business owners to adopt wind, solar, geothermal, and small hydropower energy solutions, as well as make energy efficiency improvements.
These innovations help increase income, grow businesses, and address climate change while reducing energy costs for American families.
Today's announcement is part of a larger national effort that includes projects in 38 other states and Guam. Here are some specifics of the Kansas projects:
A $37,001 grant will help Midway Machine in Wilson County install a 26.91-kilowatt solar array, saving $4,259 annually and generating enough electricity to power three homes.
USA Gymnastics & Supply Inc. in Great Bend received $67,500 to install a 50.4-kilowatt solar array, replacing 80,004 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy for seven homes.
Brentan Yost, a swine producer near Newton, received $31,344 to install a 20-kilowatt solar array, producing 31,026 kilowatt hours annually and replacing 85% of the facility's energy usage.
Schmidt Land LLC, a corn grower in Inman, was awarded $37,477 to install irrigation equipment, saving 110,791 kilowatt hours annually, enough to power ten homes.
Roy Buessing in Axtell received $39,900 to install a 19.2-kilowatt solar array, replacing 27,453 kilowatt hours annually, enough for two homes.
B&B Hydraulics Inc. of Hutchinson received $178,348 to install a 99-kilowatt solar array, generating 156,168 kilowatt hours annually, covering 100% of the facility's energy usage.
Schwartz Farms Inc. of Herington received $611,745 to install a 616-kilowatt solar array, generating 991,117 kilowatt hours annually, covering 40% of the farm's energy usage.
King Solar Inc. of Yoder was awarded $30,857 to install a 25.53-kilowatt solar array, generating 37,587 kilowatt hours annually, enough for three homes.
Ruby Goering Trust in Inman received $26,652 to install irrigation equipment, saving 123,249 kilowatt hours annually, enough for 11 homes.
Edward Koehn, a poultry producer near Halstead, received $57,927 to install a 42.1-kilowatt solar array, producing 64,113 kilowatt hours annually, enough for six homes.
Rural Rental LLC of Abilene was awarded $83,014 to install a 19.35-kilowatt and a 30.10-kilowatt solar array, replacing 65,370 kilowatt hours annually, enough for six homes.
Kober Farms LLC of Inman received $42,200 to install irrigation equipment, saving 42,538 kilowatt hours annually, enough for four homes.
Stateline Dairy LLC of Morrowville was awarded $277,000 to install a 250-kilowatt solar array, replacing 380,028 kilowatt hours annually, enough for 35 homes.
Sales Date Inc. in Hutchinson received $177,486 to install a 150-kilowatt solar array, replacing 216,823 kilowatt hours annually, enough for 20 homes.
Beloit Auto & Truck Plaza Inc. of Beloit was awarded $90,719 to install a 62.5-kilowatt solar array, generating 85,647 kilowatt hours annually, enough for seven homes.
USDA continues to accept REAP applications, with funds set aside to support underused renewable energy technologies like wind and geothermal power. For more information, contact a local energy coordinator.
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.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Kansas, Energy, Government & Policy