$1.4 Million Allocated to Pennsylvania for Green Energy Projects by USDA
Harrisburg, PA- Four projects in Pennsylvania have received $1.45 million in federal grants to support renewable energy and efficiency initiatives.
Reinford Farms, a dairy farm and trucking business in Mifflintown, will receive funding to replace a motor for its anaerobic digester. This digester plays a crucial role in breaking down food and animal waste. The U.S. Department of Agriculture anticipates generating sufficient biogas to supply nearly 350 homes with power, equivalent to approximately 3.7 million kilowatt hours annually.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is partnering with people in rural communities across our nation to expand access to clean energy and save rural Americans money,” USDA Secretary Bob Vilsack said in a press release. “We are hard at work, continuing what we’ve always done, supporting rural small businesses and farmers as they create jobs for their communities and drive economic prosperity.”
As part of a comprehensive effort to support various projects, 39 states and Guam have received $163 million in loans, grants, and technical assistance.
Northampton County Area Community College has been awarded $500,000 to provide technical assistance to rural small businesses and farmers in the state. This funding will support small energy projects in distressed and struggling communities.
Mr. Storage, a storage facility in Hanover, will receive $133,000 to install a 105 kilowatt solar system. Additionally, Saint Francis University in Cambria County will receive $100,000 to conduct 26 renewable energy assessments for rural small businesses and agricultural businesses.
“This program strengthens American energy independence by increasing the private sector supply of renewable energy and decreasing the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements,” the USDA said.
Pennsylvania has received millions of dollars through the Rural Energy for America Program. Typically, the funds have been directed towards solar projects or efficiency upgrades, with a portion also allocated for paving parking lots. In March, the USDA allocated $6 million for solar projects, while an additional $5 million was provided in January.
Additional federal funding has been allocated to support the state’s development of renewable energy. For instance, in April, Pennsylvania received $156 million for its largest solar program.
Ohio had 20 projects funded with $1.01 million, while New Jersey received $451,000 for three projects. Maryland took $1.1 million for six projects, and New York received $520,000 for seven projects, along with about $10 million in loans for two projects.
Source- The Center Square