Curtis Johnson, the Indiana director of U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, recently announced the department is partnering with Hoosier farmers and small business owners to expand access to clean energy, create jobs and help lower their energy bills through the Rural Energy for America Program aka REAP.
This funding includes more than $12 million in grants to 64 Hoosier farmers and small businesses, including one in Jackson County, to implement cost-saving, clean, efficient energy systems on their properties, according to a news release from the USDA.
These innovations will help them increase their income, grow their businesses and address climate change while lowering energy costs for Hoosier families, according to a news release from the USDA.
“Collaboration between USDA Rural Development and Hoosier agricultural producers and small businesses is essential for fostering sustainable growth,” Johnson said in the news release. “By investing in our local communities, we’re not only strengthening our economy but also paving the way for a greener future that benefits everyone.”
Through REAP, USDA partners with agricultural producers and small businesses to lower business costs through clean energy and energy efficiency systems.
The Jackson County project will see $99,999 used to assist Extreme Clean Laundries — Seymour LLC in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations at 1924 E. Tipton St.
The business is a laundromat in Jackson County. Project funds will help purchase and install new washers and dryers for the facility. This project will save the farm $2,302 annually and replace 67,063 kilowatt hours (kWh) (18%) annually, enough electricity to power six homes.
USDA also announced the availability of an additional $600 million in REAP funds that farmers and small businesses may apply for by March 31, 2025.
These funds are made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act and will be the final REAP funding availability from this legislative package.
USDA is accepting applications in this first round through two windows. The deadlines to apply are Dec. 31 and March 31, 2025.
REAP is a part of the Justice40 Initiative, which sets a goal that 40% of the benefits from certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. For information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.