LOGAN — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Michele Weaver recently unveiled more than $1.8 million in Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) projects aimed at reducing energy costs, generating new income, and creating jobs for rural small businesses across eight Utah counties, including over $500,000 for projects in Cache and Rich counties.
“These investments…are reducing the burden on our rural businesses and farming operations by lowering their energy costs,” Weaver said. “We can expect Utahns to save an average of more than 78% a year on their energy costs that they can then invest back into their businesses and communities.”
The announcement includes 17 projects spanning Cache, Iron, Millard, Rich, San Juan, Summit, Wasatch, and Wayne counties. Among the projects announced include three in Northern Utah:
- Canyon Road Original Properties LLC, operating as Cache Bar, will receive $59,650 to develop a renewable energy system through the purchase and installation of a solar array. The project is expected to save $6,807 per year and replace 56,727 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually.
- Traveland RV Park is set to receive $396,729 for a solar array installation, projected to save $43,156 per year and replace 392,331 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually.
- Ranchers Insurance LLC in Rich County will be granted $97,385 to purchase and install a solar array, expected to save $7,665 per year and replace 114,529 kWh per year, equivalent to powering 10 homes.
These projects are funded under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, part of the administration’s efforts to alleviate costs on businesses and consumers.
Through the REAP program, USDA provides grants and loans to help agricultural producers and small business owners adopt wind, solar, and other clean energy sources, as well as make energy efficiency improvements. These initiatives aim to boost income, foster business growth, address climate change, and lower energy costs.
For further details, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ut.