U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director for Rural Development Bob Morgan today announced that USDA is investing more than $5.2 million in renewable energy projects to lower energy bills, generate new income, create jobs, and strengthen competition for Pennsylvania farmers and agricultural producers. Many of the projects are being funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combatting the climate crisis.
“The Biden Administration and USDA are ensuring farmers and small businesses are not only a part of the clean energy economy, but directly benefiting from it,” Morgan said. “We have seen a great impact from this Administration’s focus on clean energy projects here in Pennsylvania. We expect this effort to continue in 2024.”
In 2023, Rural Development awarded $22.4 million in grant funds through its Rural Energy for America programs. Today’s announcement is the first of 2024 and includes 34 projects in 12 counties throughout Pennsylvania totaling $5,208,487.
Lesa Feuillett Haas in Bedford County was awarded $21,697 to purchase and install a 19.36 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system for her certified financial planning business located in Everett, Pennsylvania. This project is expected to save the business approximately $1,200 per year and will generate 20,795 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power one home.
Mast Roofing & Construction Inc. in Berks County was awarded $76,000 to purchase and install a 94.09 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. Mast Roofing & Construction Inc. in Oley, Pennsylvania has been offering residential and commercial exterior building services to customers since 2005. This project is expected to save the business approximately $7,600 per year and will replace 73,736 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power six homes.
In His Service Professional Catering in Bradford County was awarded $23,932 to purchase and install a 24.3-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. In His Service Professional Catering has been providing catering services since 2013. The company is based in Gillett, Pennsylvania. This project is expected to save the business approximately $3,000 per year and will replace 26,686 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power two homes. DeCristo Inc. in Canton was awarded $55,880 to purchase and install a 54.32 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. DeCristo Inc. has been providing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services throughout and surrounding Bradford County since 1996. This project is expected to save the business approximately $2,400 per year and will generate 62,322 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power five homes.
The Flying Taco Mexican Grill in Towanda was awarded $33,792 to purchase and install a 25.6 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. The Flying Taco Mexican Grill has been serving authentic Mexican food since 2020 in Bradford County. This project is expected to save the restaurant approximately $5,100 per year and will replace 25,657 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power two homes.
Peace Tree LLC in Kintnersville, Bucks County was awarded $165,933 to purchase and install a 162.68 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. Since 1983, Peace Tree LLC has been growing starter plants for other growers across North America, growing USDA Certified Organic herbs for a major regional grocery chain and finishing plants for regional garden centers and contracts for botanical gardens nationally. This project is expected to save the farm approximately $13,500 per year and will replace 182,565 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power 16 homes.
Nantmeal Warwick Sewer Company Inc. located in Elverson, Chester County was awarded $77,120 to purchase and install an 83.42 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. Nantmeal Warwick Sewer Company Inc. has been providing sewage treatment services since 1992. This project is expected to save the company approximately $9,200 per year and will replace 67,875 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power six homes.
Andrew Martin was awarded $44,320 to purchase and install a 50.73 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system for his poultry farming operation located in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. This project is expected to save the farm approximately $8,400 per year and will replace 61,419 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power five homes.
Dogwood Acres Campground Inc. was awarded $116,020 to purchase and install a 106.4 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system for its campground in Newville, Cumberland County. Incorporated in 2001, Dogwood Acres Campground Inc. is a small family-owned camping area with 100 sites. This project is expected to save the campground approximately $17,900 per year and will replace 165,276 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power 15 homes. Vartan Group Inc., a property management company located in Harrisburg, Dauphin County was awarded $98,000 to purchase and install more energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in 19 units within the building. This project is expected to save the company approximately $15,600 per year and will replace 85,926 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power seven homes.
CM Fuels Inc. located in Spring Run, Franklin County was awarded $28,000 to purchase and install a 19.8 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. CM Fuels Inc. has been distributing fuel oil, on-road and off-road diesel, and kerosene throughout and surrounding Franklin County since 2005. This project is expected to save the business approximately $3,000 per year and will replace 23,778 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power two homes.
Glenwood Foods at Greencastle LLC was awarded $250,000 to purchase and install a 291 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. Opened in 2009, Glenwood Foods at Greencastle LLC is a grocery store located in Franklin County. This project is expected to save the business approximately $22,100 per year and will replace 279,857 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power 25 homes.
Click here to read more usda.gov
Photo Credit: istock-shansekala
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Energy, Rural Lifestyle