USDA Rural Development Grants $37,753 Renewable Energy Grant to Lopez Garage LLC
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently awarded a renewable energy grant of $37,753 to Lopez Garage LLC. This grant is one of seven renewable energy projects awarded in Washington, aimed at lowering energy bills, generating new income, creating jobs, and strengthening competition for small businesses and farms in the state.
Helen Price Johnson, the State Director for USDA Rural Development in Washington, expressed her support for the investment made by the Biden-Harris administration in the rural people of the state. She believes that empowering small rural businesses with modern, renewable energy infrastructure will not only create good-paying jobs but also drive economic prosperity and security. This investment is seen as good news for both the economy and the environment.
The announcement made on January 22nd is part of USDA’s initiative to award $157 million for 675 projects in 42 states. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) aims to cut energy costs for small rural businesses, farmers, and agricultural producers. By reducing energy costs, these businesses can divert their savings towards job creation and new revenue streams for their communities. Lopez Garage LLC, an existing business located on Lopez Island in rural San Juan County, plans to use the grant to purchase and install a 36,562 kilowatt (kW) solar system. This system is estimated to save the business $3,121.87 annually and replace 65,722.9 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, resulting in a 44 percent energy savings.
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants and loans to help agricultural producers and rural small business owners expand their use of clean energy sources such as wind and solar power. The program also encourages energy efficiency improvements. These initiatives not only help businesses increase their income and grow, but also address climate change and lower energy costs for American families. USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly until Sept. 30, 2024. A dedicated portion of the funding is allocated for underutilized renewable energy technologies.
For more information on application deadlines and submission details, interested parties can refer to page 19239 of the March 31 Federal Register. To learn more about USDA Rural Development programs, visit their website at https://www.usda.gov/.
