USDA announces $3.3 million in funding for rural Kentucky

By Blake Jackson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has announced the allocation of over $3.3 million to 23 projects in rural Kentucky.

This funding, provided through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), will enable rural businesses and agricultural producers to implement energy efficiency and clean energy improvements.

"More and more businesses are crunching the numbers and seeing the value in making energy efficiency and energy generation improvements, and the projects I’m announcing today will help lower energy costs and harness renewable energy," said Dr. Tom Carew, USDA Rural Development Kentucky State Director. "The administration has a strong record of investing in rural small businesses and agricultural producers so they can install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements, both of which lower energy costs and strengthen operational resiliency.”

Key Projects and Benefits:

Mountain Association for Economic Development: A $100,000 technical assistance grant will support energy audits and grant packaging for businesses in Eastern and Southern Kentucky.

Majors Granite and Quartz LLC: A $67,733 grant will fund the installation of a 32.85-kilowatt solar system, reducing energy costs and generating clean energy.

Bardstown Mills Inc.: A $62,609 grant will support the installation of a 44.7-kilowatt solar system, leading to significant energy cost savings.

Four Mile Farms: A $194,808 grant will be used to install a high-efficiency grain dryer, reducing energy consumption and improving operational efficiency.

Mayfield Venture Hospitality LLC: A $157,550 grant will fund the installation of a 115-kilowatt solar system, generating clean energy and lowering energy costs.

These are just a few examples of the many projects that will benefit from REAP funding. For other projects and for more information visit, https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/biden-harris-administration-announces-23-clean-energy-energy-efficiency-projects-rural-ky

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