USDA Rural Development awards $1.2 million in grants for 23 clean energy projects in 19 Kansas communities

PURE ENERGY …

The projects aim to reduce energy bills, increase access to clean energy and create jobs

PUBLISHED ON June 26, 2024

TOPEKA, Kan. – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Kansas Director of Rural Development Christy Davis announced that USDA is working with rural Kansas residents on 23 clean energy projects designed to lower energy bills, increase access to clean energy and creating jobs in rural Kansas communities.

“The USDA is committed to developing modern clean energy systems that strengthen our energy independence”, Davis said. “We are happy to work with family farms and small businesses to help create good-paying jobs and save rural Kansas residents money.”

USDA also reveals “Rural Energy Resource Guide to make it easier for rural communities to find federal clean energy funding.

Background

These investments are implemented through Rural Energy for America. (COLLECT). The REAP program helps agricultural producers and rural small business owners increase their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower and improve energy efficiency. These innovations help them increase their revenues, grow their businesses, address climate change and reduce energy costs.

The REAP announcement is part of a larger nationwide announcement that includes projects in 38 other states and Puerto Rico. Details of projects in Kansas include:

• AND Grant in the amount of $96,112 will help purchase and install an 80-kilowatt solar system for Western Supply Co. Inc Hutchinson. The project is estimated to generate 126,045 kilowatt-hours annually and meet 88 percent of the utility’s annual energy needs.
• AND Grant in the amount of $29,220 will help purchase and install a 15-kilowatt solar system for the Bentley Family Irrevocable Land Trust Gove County. This project will save $2,231 per year and generate 24,625 kilowatt-hours per year.
• AND Grant in the amount of $55,340 will assist in the purchase and installation of a 42.1 kilowatt photovoltaic system for Cottonwood Hog Farm LLC based in Newton. The project is estimated to generate 65,515 kilowatt-hours per year and will meet 100 percent of the company’s annual energy needs.
• AND $53,393 grant will help purchase and install a 36-kilowatt photovoltaic system for Outdoor Vision LLC based in Newton. The project is estimated to generate 55,819 kilowatt-hours and replace 95 percent of energy consumption. This is enough energy to power five houses.
• AND $15,405 grant will help purchase and install a 10.27 kW solar panel for Justin Stithem, a small rural business in Chanut. This project will save $1,630 per year and cover 100 percent of the company’s annual electricity needs.
• AND $23,035 grant will help with the purchase and installation of a 7.9 kW solar panel for Timber Rock Properties LLC based in Chanut. This project will save $829 per year and cover 100 percent of the company’s annual electricity needs.
• AND $19,995 grant Ag Strategies of Kansas LLC will help Chanut make energy-saving improvements to their agricultural supply operations. It is estimated that the project will enable the exchange of 12,840 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power one home.
• AND Grant in the amount of $14,985 ElevenEleven Fresherie LLC will help Chanut purchase and install a photovoltaic system for your smoothie and juice bar business. It is estimated that the project will enable the exchange of 14,377 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power one home.
• AND $6,912 grant will help Calvin D. Parker Jola make energy-saving improvements to your greenhouse. It is estimated that the project will replace 4,116 kilowatt-hours per year, or enough energy to power an average home for four months.
• AND $6,199 grant RVH Properties LLC will help Dennispurchase and installation of a new HVAC system. RVH provides customization of heavy tow vehicles for recreational use. The project is expected to reduce the company’s energy use by 8,140 kilowatt hours, saving the company $1,056 annually in energy costs.
• AND $71,750 grant will assist in the purchase and installation of a 48-kilowatt photovoltaic system for Salina Diamond Sports LLC based in SalinaThe project will produce 65,922 kilowatt-hours per year and replace 93 percent of the company’s annual energy consumption.
• AND Grant in the amount of $545,750 will help with the purchase and installation of a 550-kilowatt solar panel for Ohlde Dairy LLC based in LinnThe project is estimated to replace 900,033 kilowatt-hours per year, enough to power 83 homes.
• AND Grant in the amount of $16,872 will help Butler Ranch Operations LLC Leona purchased a 10.8 kW photovoltaic panel for agriculture. The project is estimated to generate 10,843 kilowatt-hours per year, enough to power one home.
• Some $18,415 grant will assist the Schmidt Family Irrevocable Trust Fund Burrton purchase and installation of irrigation equipment on your farm. The project is estimated to save 59,992 kilowatts per year, enough to power five homes.
• AND $19,088 grant will help Muddy Water Farms LLC based in Fort Scott make energy efficiency improvements in their operations. The project is estimated to save 44,659 kilowatt hours per year, or enough energy to power four homes.
• AND Grant in the amount of $14,644 will help Mary Hobert LLC purchase and install a 6.6 kilowatt solar panel. Mary Hobert runs the 1879 Stone House guesthouse on the Flint Hills National Scenic Bypass in Cottonwood Falls. The project is expected to replace 8,580 kilowatt-hours per year, or 85 percent of their use. The project is expected to save the company $1,099 annually.
• AND $20,000 grant will help Lynco Rec DBA Holiday Lanes purchase and install energy-efficient LED lighting in its bowling alley Pittsburgh. The project is expected to reduce the company’s lighting energy use by 65 percent, saving 64,186 kilowatt hours and $6,855 annually in energy costs.
• AND Grant in the amount of $69,960 will help North Star Feeds LLC purchase and install a 52.8 kilowatt solar panel. North Star Feeds is a manufacturer of feed fat blends Atchison. The project is expected to save 78,017 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which is 82 percent of electricity consumption and enough energy to power more than seven homes. The project is expected to save the company $7,900 a year in energy costs.
• AND $19,773 the grant will help Mellowfields Farm LLC Lawrence purchase and installation of a 19.4-kilowatt solar system. The project is estimated to save 27,686 kilowatts of electricity per year, enough to power two homes.
• AND Grant in the amount of $41,178 will assist in the purchase and installation of a 42-kilowatt solar system for Four Streams Dairy Inc Hanover. The project is estimated to replace 60,093 kilowatt-hours per year, enough to power five homes. Four Streams Dairy Inc. currently employs two workers.
• AND $17,700 grant will assist in the purchase and installation of a 10.56 kW solar panel for Gregory Jarrett, a small rural business located in Parsons. This project will save $1,597 per year and cover 100% of the company’s annual energy needs.
• AND $20,000 grant will help in the purchase and installation of a photovoltaic panel with a capacity of 18.17 kW for the One28 Bakes bakery located in Ostego. The system is estimated to produce 23,207 kilowatt-hours per year, enough to power two homes.
• AND $15,020 grant will help Prairie Wind Aquatics of City of Gardens make energy-saving improvements with new insulation and LED lighting. This project will save 2,230 kilowatt hours per year, enough to power one average household for two months.

USDA continues to accept applications under REAP and will host funding competitions quarterly through September 30, 2024. The financing includes a dedicated part for unused renewable energy technologies. For additional information, please contact: local energy coordinator.

Background: Rural Energy Resource Guide

USDA also unveiled the “Rural Energy Resource Guide,” which will make it easier for rural communities to identify federal funding for clean energy programs.

The guide highlights USDA rural development programs that help individuals and organizations finance renewable energy systems and infrastructure in rural America. The programs described in the guide offer financing:

• Make energy-saving repairs at home.
• Financing small and large energy infrastructure.
• Funding for energy efficiency equipment for business and industry.
• Generate emergency power in rural areas.
• Produce clean energy from sources such as bio-based materials.

The Rural Energy Resource Guide also includes stories from rural development customers about how USDA programs and services have helped them meet their clean energy needs.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants that help expand economic opportunity, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This aid supports infrastructure improvements; business development; flats; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit Rural data gateway to learn how and where these investments impact rural America. To subscribe to USDA rural development updates, visit GovDelivery subscriber page. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity supplier, employer and lender.

– USDA Rural Development, Kansas