Vermont projects to boost renewable energy production, reduce consumption

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has selected 450 projects nationwide, including 8 in Vermont, that are focused on helping agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy consumption and costs; use renewable energy technologies in their operation; and/or conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy projects. Funding is made available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which is authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill.
â The Obama Administration is helping agricultural producers and rural small business owners reduce their energy costs and consumption ‘and by doing so is helping to create jobs, preserve our natural resources, and protect the environment while strengthening the bottom line for businesses.’said Vilsack. â This is part of the Administrationâ s â all of the above’energy strategy. Stable energy costs create an environment for sustainable job creation in rural America.â Secretary Vilsack made the announcement while touring Metrolina Greenhouses, a family-owned plant and services company in Huntersville, N.C., that has received a REAP guaranteed loan and three grants totaling over $1 million since 2007.
Elm Brook Farm in East Fairfield VT, David Schurman of Jay VT, Nicholas Merritt of Fletcher VT, and the Branon Family Maple Orchards located in Fairfield, VT will all see significant energy savings during the sugaring season as a result of the grants they received to install new reverse osmosis systems. George Bissell, Jr. of Starksboro VT, and Shire Town Properties located in Brattleboro VT received grants to install solar arrays that will reduce the power they buy from the grid and save money as a result. Finally, Little Green Hydro, LLC of Braintree VT, received a grant to make energy efficiency improvements that will improve their bottom line.
Todayâ s announcement includes $412,304 in grant funding to 20 agricultural producers and rural businesses, including one in Vermont, to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems. In South Londonberry, Vermont Woodchips has been selected to receive a grant to help determine the feasibility of installing a 4 megawatt combined cycle biomass gasifier power plant.
REAP offers funds for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems, make energy-efficiency improvements, conductfeasibility studies and energy audits, and provide renewable energy development assistance.
â Jobs preserved, businesses enhanced, energy and money saved are all accomplished through this program,’commented State Director for USDA Rural Development, Molly Lambert. â These business people and farmers are top-notch innovators. USDA is pleased to partner with them.’
These federal funds leverage other funding sources for businesses. In all, USDA announced nearly $7.4 million in energy grants today. This announcement is an example of investments the Obama Administration is making to help create jobs and grow the rural economy. For a complete listing of Rural Energy for America Program grant recipients announced today, please click here.
Since taking office, President Obama's Administration has taken historic steps to improve the lives of rural Americans, put people back to work and build thriving economies in rural communities. From proposing the American Jobs Act to establishing the first-ever White House Rural Council, the President is committed to a smarter use of existing Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities. The Council is working to break down silos, find areas for better collaboration and improved flexibility in government programs, and work closely with local governments, non-profits and private companies to leverage federal support.
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 $170 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 America.
Montpelier VT, June 25, 2012 â USDA