For the Tomahawk Leader
TOMAHAWK – Federal grant funding will help a pair of Tomahawk businesses improve their energy efficiency.
On Wednesday, April 24, Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is funding 19 clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to domestic biofuels and create jobs and new market opportunities for Wisconsin farmers, small business owners and agricultural producers.
The funding comes from USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
A release from USDA said REAP “helps agricultural producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements.”
“These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families,” the release stated.
Daigle Brothers Inc., located at 727 Southgate Dr., Tomahawk, will use a $341,850.00 grant to install a small solar electric array.
USDA said the project is expected to save the business $24,463.00 per year, replacing 437,991 kilowatt hours – 100% of the business’s energy use – per year, which is enough energy to power 40 homes.
Foley’s Forest Products LLC, N11541 Roberts Rd., Tomahawk, will use a $29,880.00 grant to install a small solar electric array, which is expected to save the business $3,637.00 per year.
“It will replace 30,060 kilowatt hours (31% of the business’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power two homes,” USDA said.
REAP dollars were also allocated to projects in Merrill, Wausau, Hayward, Rice Lake and other Wisconsin communities.
“Today’s announcement showcases the variety of rural people and businesses using programs like REAP to save money on their energy costs that can then be reinvested in their operations,” Lassa stated. “This not only strengthens their business, but helps sustain and build the local economy.”
In Wisconsin, since 2021, USDA has announced more 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.
Daigle Brothers and Foley’s are not the first Tomahawk businesses to receive REAP funding. Earlier this month, USDA announced that $11,300.00 had been allocated to Northwoods Community Realty LLC to install a solar electric array.
Last year, Tomahawk Terminal Company LLC and Sunset Acres LLC each received REAP grant dollars.
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, contact a local energy coordinator (www.tinyurl.com/yw6busj4).
About USDA Rural Development
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 said.
For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/wi.