USDA Rural Development: Trump Administration Invests $97,727 to Assist Agricultural Producers in Northern Colorado
Investment will help with Solar Energy and Energy Cost Savings
DENVER, CO – September 4, 2020 – The Trump Administration announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $97,727 to help lower energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers in Larimer and Weld Counties in Colorado.
“Rural Development has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Colorado in helping to build strong, healthy communities,” said USDA Rural Development State Director for Colorado, Sallie Clark. Two entities in Northern Colorado were awarded grant funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvement, and energy audits for businesses, farms, and organizations.
“The REAP Program can help rural communities decrease the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements. Over time, these investments help to reduce energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers such as those two entities funded today,” said Clark.
The projects announced today are:
Summit Plant Laboratories, Inc., in Fort Collins, received a $49,977 grant to install a
60.5 kW solar PV system that will produce 89,652 kWh annually. The electricity
from this project will save this agricultural producer $3,100 annually. The project is
equivalent to offsetting the annual electrical usage of 8.9 homes.
Ridge West Property Services, LLC in Windsor, received a $47,750 grant to install a
79 kWh roof mounted solar PV system. This system will produce 128,334 kWh
annually and will offset 99% of this agricultural producer’s annual electric usage and
is estimated to reduce their annual costs for electricity by an estimated $13,000
annually. The project is equivalent to offsetting the annual electrical usage of 12.8
homes.
The REAP program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Applications for the next round of funding are currently being accepted.
Applications for Grants of $20,000 or less and Loan/Grant of $20,000 or less combinations are due by November 2, 2020. For additional information on this program in Colorado, contact Don Nunn, donald.nunn@usda.gov.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information in Colorado, visit www.rd.usda.gov/co.