LAKETOWN – The USDA Rural Development is holding a Northern Utah Energy Independence Awards program for the Northern Utah Region for farmers, ranchers and rural businesses that implement renewable energy on their property.
The meeting will be on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. at Ranchers Insurance 334 W. 800 N., Laketown.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director Michele Weaver said USDA partnered with rural small businesses to expand access to clean energy and lower energy bills through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“Economic prosperity is strengthened by investment into communities. Affordable access to clean energy is just one way the Biden-Harris Administration has committed to support rural economic development,” Weaver said. “We are proud to have the opportunity to assist small local businesses grow using long term and sustainable solutions.”
REAP provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems to make energy efficiency improvements. There were 72 projects awards in Fiscal Year 2024 which ended September 30.
The Laketown event will talk about the 29 agriculture producers and supporters including one recipient for statewide technical assistance.
REAP awards are part of $12.6 million in grants and they estimate the ag community saved nearly 10,000 kWh annually or enough to power 880 homes.
Last year awards by county include Box Elder (4 awards), Cache (3 awards), Carbon (5 awards), Duchesne (2 awards), Rich (1 award), Salt Lake (1 award), Sanpete (3 awards), Summit (1 award), Uintah (6 awards), Utah (1 award), & Wasatch (2 awards).
Collet Walker, a USDA community development specialist, said there will be a lot going on at the meeting.
“We have adjusted our plan and will not be presenting certificates to previous awards, instead, Utah State Director, Michele Weaver, will announce the new fund awardees,” she said.
The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA invested more than $8.7 million through REAP in 75 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements in Utah. REAP enabled agricultural producers and rural small business owners to expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower energy to make energy efficiency improvements.
These innovations increase their income, grow their businesses and address climate change while lowering energy costs for American families.