USDA Energy Program Assists Vermont Businesses and Farms

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced funding for 631 projects across the nation ‘ including 6 in Vermont ‘ that will help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce their energy consumption or use renewable energy systems in their operations. Grant and loan guarantee funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
In Vermont, six projects with total development costs of $1.048 million were awarded $180,760 in REAP grant funding. David Robinson, Acting State Director, stated that, ‘These six projects represent opportunities for Vermont businesses to reduce their carbon footprints, reduce energy costs and improve profitability. USDA’s investment is leveraging $867,000 of private funding placing the bulk of project investment with the benefitting businesses.’ Businesses receiving assistance include: Vermont Cranberry Company, Rodney Bushey Jr., Louise & Randi Calderwood, Lawrence Sloan Jr., Westminster Energy, LLC and The Big Picture Farm. A diversity of technologies was funded including: Solar photovoltaic, Micro Hydroelectric, Reverse Osmosis and an Electrical Generation System to support ‘Cow Power’ energy production.
The Vermont Rural Development office has underwritten over $44.5 million in REAP projects that have supported 170 businesses and over 800 jobs. REAP offers financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses located anywhere in Vermont (including Burlington) to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. REAP funding leverages local, state, Efficiency Vermont and other private funding sources for businesses. REAP also helps the conservation of natural resources and the development of new forms of energy that reduces Vermont’s dependence on fossil fuels and creates a stronger rural economy.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $189 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural areas. For more information on Rural Development, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/nh-vtHome.html
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