USDA gives $1.45 million to Pennsylvania for energy projects

(The Center Square) — The latest round of federal grants awarded $1.45 million to four projects in Pennsylvania to help boost renewable energy and energy efficiency efforts.

Half of the money is going to Reinford Farms, a dairy and trucking company in Mifflintown, to replace the engine in its anaerobic bioreactor, which breaks down food and animal waste. The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects it will produce enough biogas to power nearly 350 homes, about 3.7 million kilowatt-hours a year.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is working with rural communities across the country to expand access to clean energy and save money for rural Americans,” USDA Secretary Bob Vilsack said in a speech press release“We are working hard to continue doing what we have always done, supporting small rural businesses and farmers who create jobs for their communities and drive economic prosperity.”

The money is part of $163 million in loans, grants and technical assistance provided to 39 states and Guam for 338 projects.

Northampton County Area Community College will receive $500,000 for technical assistance to help rural small businesses and farmers in the state implement small energy projects in depressed and struggling communities.

In Hanover, the 102-unit Mr. Storage facility will receive $133,000 to install a 105-kilowatt solar system, and another $100,000 will go to Saint Francis University in Cambria County to conduct 26 renewable energy assessments for rural small businesses and agribusinesses.

“This program strengthens America’s energy independence by increasing the supply of private-sector renewable energy and reducing energy demand through improved energy efficiency,” the USDA said.

The money, part of the Rural Energy for America program, has brought millions to Pennsylvania. It has typically focused on solar projects or efficiency improvements, but some of the funds have also gone to parking lot pavingIn March, the USDA provided 6 million dollars for solar projects and 5 million dollars in January.

Other federal funding has helped boost renewable energy use in the state, including: $156 million for the largest solar program in Pennsylvania in April.

In neighboring states, Ohio received 20 projects with $1.01 million in grant funding; New Jersey received $451,000 for three projects; Maryland received $1.1 million for six projects; and New York received $520,000 for seven projects, as well as about $10 million in loans for two projects.