Six Durango companies receive USDA funding for solar projects – The Durango Herald

US Department of Agriculture emphasizes cost savings and clean energy production

Six Durango businesses have received more than $1.1 million in federal funding for clean energy projects, such as solar panel installations in rural Colorado, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Monday. In 2023, Jake Wills, an assistant engineer at the La Plata Electric Association, will oversee the solar panels at the La Plata Electric Association Sunnyside Community Solar Project. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)

Six Durango businesses have received more than $1.1 million in federal funding for clean energy projects such as solar panel installations in rural Colorado.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Monday that 11 Colorado businesses (in Durango, Palisade, Cope, Pueblo West and Center) were awarded a total of $2,964,306 through the Rural Energy for America program.

USDA Rural Development promotes economic development through loans and grants. Crestina Martinez, Colorado director, said in a news release that the REAP awards “highlight rural Colorado’s dedication and forward-thinking in promoting renewable energy in their communities” and “exemplify our commitment to promoting a sustainable future and driving economic growth.”

Durango businesses receiving funding included: Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad; Tailwind Nutrition; James T. Duke Inc. doing business as Target Rental; Goff Engineering & Surveying Inc.; Durango Machining Innovations; and Adelie LLC.

In total, they received $1,186,686 from the federal government.

The USDA emphasized that every business will benefit from cost savings through solar energy projects.

D&SNG, which received $726,954 to install 520.98-kilowatt photovoltaic panels on its roundhouse and diesel maintenance shop, is expected to save $56,321 annually “and generate 730,165 kilowatt-hours (kWh), or 106 percent of its historical energy consumption, annually, enough energy to power 67.3 homes,” according to the Department of Agriculture.

Grants awarded, projected cost savings and renewable energy generation for other businesses in Durango are as follows:

$95,760 to Tailwind Nutrition to install a 54.72-kilowatt photovoltaic system on a commercial building, replacing nearly its entire annual energy use and saving approximately $7,300 per year.
$33,265 to Target Rental to install a 19.2-kilowatt solar PV system on a commercial building, resulting in annual energy cost savings of $704 and expected production of 126% of annual energy consumption.
Goff Engineering & Surveying Inc. received $44,595 to install a 27.2-kilowatt photovoltaic system on its commercial building. It is expected to save $858 annually and produce 116% of the energy it uses annually.
$266,112 to Durango Machine Innovations, LLC for the installation of a 161.28-kilowatt photovoltaic system at its commercial manufacturing facility, which is expected to generate 286,895 kilowatt-hours, or 85 percent of its annual energy consumption.
A $20,000 grant was awarded to Adelie LLC for a 13.2-kilowatt solar installation on the building, which is expected to save $1,780.89 in annual energy costs. It will produce approximately 17,509 kilowatt-hours, or 142% of annual energy consumption.

According to the USDA, REAP funding applications will be accepted until September 30.

In the email to Durango HeraldMartinez said the USDA Rural Development Department has stepped up marketing efforts this year in partnership with the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. and the Colorado Department of Agriculture, which provide technical assistance grant services to the federal Department of Agriculture.

She added that they offer practical support to farmers, ranchers and small rural business owners who are seeking federal funding for renewable energy projects, including solar and electricity.

She added that REAP has awarded nearly $33.5 million since 2021. Applications submitted in the latest round of applications, which closed on Sunday, are currently being reviewed.

The REAP program was launched as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda, she added.

“REAP investments create jobs and economic growth in rural communities through clean energy projects that also lower costs for agricultural producers and rural small businesses and families,” she added.

[email protected]