USDA awards funding for 21 solar projects, more in Arkansas

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by George Jared ([email protected]) ago 279 views 

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the department is funding 586 projects to expand access to clean energy systems and increase the availability of domestic biofuels. USDA is providing nearly $180 million through the Rural Energy for America (REAP) and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP).

Among the Arkansas-based funded projects, Day Equipment Company, based in Tillar, will receive $700,400 to build a solar array that will generate enough electricity to power 110 homes. Bearskin Farming Company, based in Scott, will receive $486,170 to replace grain drying and monitoring equipment. Som Solar, based in Dermott, will receive $356,400 to build a solar array.

All told, 21 Arkansas projects were funded by more than $3.4 million.

“The Biden-Harris administration is lowering costs and giving rural Americans the historic opportunity to expand clean energy and build an economy that benefits working families and small businesses,” Secretary Vilsack said. “By expanding access to homegrown biofuels and clean energy systems, we are making long-lasting investments that will strengthen our energy independence, address the impacts of climate change and create new market opportunities and revenue streams for American producers while bringing good-paying jobs to rural communities.”

To date, USDA has invested more than $1.3 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act for 8,012 clean energy projects through REAP, and more than $287 million in 345 projects through HBIIP that increase the availability of domestic biofuels across the country.

Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $3 billion for 11,221 projects through REAP and more than $323 million in 399 awards through HBIIP.

As part of the recent announcement, USDA is awarding $120 million in REAP grants for 516 projects in 39 states, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This program helps farmers and small business owners make energy efficiency improvements and expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy.