AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $15 MILLION IN RENEWABLE ENERGY LOANS AND GRANTS
Projects in 15 States and The Western Pacific Islands Will Help Farmers and Rural Businesses Become More Efficient
WASHINGTON, August 10, 2009 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that 365 recipients have been selected to receive more than $15 million in loans and grants to install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Dallas Tonsager, Under Secretary for Rural Development, made the public announcement on behalf of Vilsack during a speech today at the Midwest Rural Assembly in Sioux Falls, S.D.
"It is imperative that we secure more self-sufficient energy resources for our country, and these grants will help enable the long-term sustainability that the Obama Administration is committed to developing," Vilsack said. "This funding will also help farmers and rural businesses become more efficient and competitive."
The Midwest Rural Assembly focuses on rural economic and community development issues and opportunities, and gives rural residents a chance to speak directly with policymakers about rural policy priorities. Tonsager said the loans and grants announced today are authorized under the Rural Energy for America Program, which was established in the 2008 Farm Bill and is administered by USDA Rural Development. The funds are not part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
One of the recipients, Eugene Bartz, of Sisseton, S.D., has been selected to receive a $62,400 grant and $60,470 loan to replace an outdated grain dryer with a more energy efficient model. He will retire several large-volume, low-temperature drying bins and convert them into storage bins. The new system will use 64.9 percent less energy per bushel in the drying process. The increased drying capacity will allow Bartz to balance harvesting and drying rates while avoiding condensation inside the bins.
Damien Branon of Fairfield, Vt., was selected to receive a $12,300 grant to replace an evaporator on his maple syrup cooker. He plans to purchase and install a new system that will increase syrup production efficiency and reduce annual fuel consumption by 56 percent.
USDA energy efficiency programs often yield double-digit energy savings. The Glen Coble & Sons, Inc. ranch in Mullen, Neb., reduced its electricity draw from the local utility by 30 percent after it received a $14,725 USDA Rural Development grant in 2008 to install five wind turbines. The project has been so successful that Glen Coble & Sons is considering constructing additional turbines for the ranch headquarters.
Additional information on the Rural Energy for America Program may be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/bprogs.htm.
Below is a complete list of the selected recipients. Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the agreement.
C Carlson Farms, Inc.; $33,584 grant; $67,168 loan
M E Weers Farms, Inc.; $24,789 grant; $49,578 loan
WM J. Finch Farms; $47,830 grant; $95,600 loan
Samuel Robinson; $19,500 grant; $39,000 loan
Oregon
Boston Beef House, Inc.; $3,027 grant
Willow Witt Ranch; $20,000 grant
Buchanan Family Century Farm; $20,000 grant
Go Outside Enterprises, LLC; $17,323 grant
Hall Living Trust; $13,712 grant
Howard J. Shipley; $11,748 grant
Mellonia, LLC; $9,994 grant
Pro Electric, Inc.; $19,500 grant
Restoration Farm, LLC; $13,159 grant
Robert Inget; $4,463 grant
Virgil Allen Wilkes; $14,014 grant
South Dakota
Eugene Bartz; $62,400 grant; $60,470 loan
Vermont
Scott Boyce; $2,473 grant
Damian Branon; $12,300 grant
Ridgeview Farm, Inc.; $16,250 grant
Wisconsin
Lightning Ridge Solar, LLC; $16,932 grant
Brew Farms Enterprises, LLC; $19,401 grant
Charles W. Hammer & Nancy Kavazanjian; $20,000 grant
Dean Proper; $15,125 grant
Ken Bauer; $15,000 grant
Kettle View Renewable Energy, LLC; $17,380 grant
Mesmer Solar, LLC; $20,000 grant
Retgen Solar, LLC; $20,000 grant
Western Pacific
Hagen, Inc.; $20,000 grant
USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting www.rurdev.usda.gov.
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