For the Tomahawk Leader
TOMAHAWK – A Tomahawk business is among the recipients of funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa, on Friday, April 5, announced that USDA is investing $2.2 million towards 23 renewable energy projects in Wisconsin.
A release from USDA said the investment is being made to “lower energy costs, generate new income and create jobs for U.S. farmers, agricultural producers and rural small businesses.”
“REAP benefits these farms and businesses by saving them money on energy costs and makes them more resilient,” Lassa stated. “This program is an example of how the Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are committed to ensuring that these rural businesses are directly benefiting from both a clean energy economy and a strong U.S. supply chain.”
“Through REAP, USDA provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements,” USDA said. “These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs.”
USDA added that the investments will “cut energy costs for farmers and ag producers that can instead be used to create jobs and new revenue streams for people in their communities.”
Northwoods Community Realty LLC, located at 101 Mohawk Dr., Tomahawk, will use an $11,300.00 REAP grant to install a solar electric array.
“This project is expected to save the business nearly $1,000.00 in electrical costs per year and replace 9,700 kilowatt hours (100% of the business’ energy use) per year, which is enough to power one home,” USDA stated.
Funding is also allocated to projects in Bayfield, Ladysmith, Pembine and Spooner, as well as other areas of the state.
In Wisconsin, since 2021, USDA has announced than $14.5 million through REAP in 140 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will help rural business owners lower energy costs, generate new income and strengthen their resiliency of operations, according to USDA.
USDA said it is continuing to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Monday, Sept. 30. The funding includes a dedicated portion for underutilized renewable energy technologies.
For additional information on application deadlines and submission details, see page 19239 of the March 31 Federal Register at www.rb.gy/kkyaxh.
USDA said last week’s announcement is part of a recent national announcement by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, which included $124 million in renewable energy and fertilizer production projects in 44 states.
“The REAP program is part of the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution,” USDA stated.
About USDA Rural Development
USDA said USDA Rural Development “provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas.”
“This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas,” USDA stated.
Visit the Rural Data Gateway (www.rd.usda.gov/rural-data-gateway) to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America.