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USDA invests $14,000,418 in domestic biofuels and clean energy in Wisconsin

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WOOD COUNTY--U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa announced that the USDA is investing $14,000,418 more in grant funding in Wisconsin to expand access to clean energy systems and increase the availability of domestic biofuels.
The investments announced are being made in 42 projects in 27 counties in Wisconsin through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) ($9,583,750 to three projects) and the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) ($4,416,668 to 39 projects).
“The dozens of awards I’m announcing today will help lower energy costs and provide a historic opportunity for farmers and rural businesses to invest in clean energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements,” said Lassa. “Many of these investments are made possible with help from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and will create more energy independence, save businesses money on their bottom-line, and strengthen economic development in rural communities.”
In Wood County, Travis Marti Farms, LLC, an agricultural producer in Vesper, will use a $415,000 REAP grant to install a roof-mounted solar electric array. This project is expected to
save $29,580 per year. It will replace 405,203 kilowatt hours (82 percent of the company’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power 40 homes.
Also in Wood County, Michael Arnold, a farming operation in Rudolph, will use a $16,811 REAP grant to install a small solar electric array. The project is expected to save $668 per year. It will generate 14,795 kilowatt hours (100 percent of the farm’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power one home.
In Marathon County, Stainless Specialists, Inc. a rural small business in Wausau, will use a $28,857 REAP grant to install a solar electric array. This project is expected to save $4,100 per year. It will replace 32,800 kilowatt hours (91 percent of the company’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power three homes.
In Clark County, Short Lane Ag Supply, LLC, a rural small business in Colby, will use a $113,508 REAP grant to install two solar electric arrays. The project is expected to save $11,235 per year. It will replace 144,032 kilowatt hours (kWh) (100 percent of the business’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power 13 homes.
Also in Clark County, Raebel Ranch, LLC, a real estate business in Neillsville, will use a $20,000 REAP grant to install a small solar electric array. This project is expected to save $3,081 per year. It will replace 33,835 kilowatt hours (100 percent of the company’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power two homes.

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