 "Today's Rural Energy for America Program announcements will provide
further assistance for agricultural producers and rural small
business owners to save energy, promote renewable energy creation
and boost the bottom line for their operation," Vilsack said. "By
investing in clean, renewable energy created in rural America, USDA
is able to provide new income opportunities in our small towns while
supporting the Obama administration's comprehensive effort to combat
the impacts of a changing climate."Colleen Callahan, Illinois
director for Rural Development, added: "Recipients will use the
funding to replace outdated and inefficient equipment with
energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies. This program
reinforces our efforts to focus on more efficient ways to use our
natural resources, cut costs and, ultimately, provide a boost to the
local rural economy."
Vilsack noted that the funding announcement is another reminder
of the importance of farm bill programs for the economic vitality of
rural America, and a compelling reason why Congress must get a
comprehensive food, farm and jobs bill passed as soon as possible. A
comprehensive new food, farm and jobs bill would further expand the
rural economy.
The Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP, offers financial
assistance to farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses to
purchase and install renewable energy systems and make
energy-efficiency improvements. These federal funds leverage other
private funding sources for businesses.
Vilsack announced more than $14 million in grants and loan
guarantees to business owners in 22 states, the western Pacific, the
Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
[to top of second column] |
For example, Adkins Energy in Lena, Ill., received a $500,000
grant to purchase equipment for a new biodiesel plant, which will be
co-located with their current ethanol facility. The Adkins plant
will use corn oil, a byproduct of their ethanol production, to
produce approximately 2 million gallons of biodiesel per year.
Another Illinois recipient, River Valley Vineyard in Peru,
received a $12,046 grant to install a geothermal system with
vertical wells to heat and cool the winery's production facility.
The facility must maintain a constant temperature below 65 degrees
with low humidity year-round. Compared with a conventional system,
the geothermal system will save 36 percent in energy usage.
Under REAP, up to 25 percent of an eligible renewable energy
system or energy-efficiency improvement project can be funded
through a grant, and additional support can be provided in the form
of a loan guarantee. Since 2009, REAP has helped fund more than
8,250 renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects nationwide and
364 projects in Illinois.
For more information on REAP and for the
list of recipients (PDF) announced Nov. 6, visit the Illinois
Rural Development website at
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ILHome.html. Each award is contingent
upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant or loan agreement.
USDA Rural Development's investments in housing, community
facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural
America to continue leading the way -- strengthening America's
economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in
rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the
backbone of American values.
[Text from file received from
USDA Rural Development, Illinois] |
