WASHINGTON — Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald LaVoy announced Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $165.4 million to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses lower energy costs.
The USDA is providing 621 awards to applicants in all 50 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Western Pacific. Funding is provided through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
Hawaii/Western Pacific State Director Brenda Iokepa-Moses said numerous beneficiaries who would qualify for the program can take advantage of the opportunity across Hawaii.
“I would like to see Hawaii and the Western Pacific take a bigger piece of the pie and encourage local farmers, agricultural producers and rural based businesses to apply for this grant and take advantage of this amazing opportunity.”
Recipients can use REAP funding for energy audits and to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower and solar. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by making improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.
For example:
• In Hawaii, grants were awarded for installing solar array systems to Highway Inn, Inc. for $81,243; Cobycami LLC for $23,222; and Honua Home Aina Organics LLC for $136,502.
• In Guam, grants were also awarded to companies for solar array systems including Johndel International, Inc. for $31,039; and Fujita Property Guam, Inc. for $23,040.
Reducing energy costs can significantly improve a business’ bottom line. According to USDA, 90,000 farms used solar equipment in 2017, three times the number using solar panels in 2012.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities.
For information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details in Hawaii, interested parties should contact Jeffrey Wardwell, program specialist (808) 933-8316 and jeffrey.wardwell@usda.gov
More info: www.rd.usda.gov