Funds will support projects in four Kansas communities

PUBLISHED ON October 2, 2024

TOPEKA, Kan. – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Director for Kansas Christy Davis announced that USDA is investing in four projects across Kansas to expand access to a clean and reliable electricity and improve energy efficiency. The Department is investing $607,815 to support projects in four communities. 

“Rural Development is investing in rural Kansas to help expand power generation and improve efficiency.” Director Davis said. “These projects will ensure rural Kansans have access to reliable, affordable energy no matter where they live.”

The announcement is part of a larger national announcement that includes projects in 29 other states. The details of the Kansas projects are:

• A $500,000 grant to Wichita State University (WSU) will help those from distressed and disadvantaged communities in Kansas and encourage under-used technologies and REAP grant requests below $20,000. WSU will also work on promoting the REAP program across Kansas through targeted outreach activities.
• A $24,760 grant will help purchase and install a walk-in cooler with new refrigeration equipment for Holton Meat Processing of Holton. This project is expected to save 77,671 kWh per year, enough energy to power seven homes.
• A $50,825 grant will help purchase and install a 30 kW solar system for Z&M Twisted Vines Wines and Winery LLC in Leavenworth County. This project is expected to replace 43,234 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power four homes.
• A $32,230 grant will help purchase and install a 22 kW solar system for G.K. Smith and Sons Inc., an HVAC repair and installation company in Paola. This project is expected to replace 30,223 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power two homes.

Background

These investments are being made through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) which provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. 

The WSU grant is being made through the REAP Technical Assistance Grant which enables applicants to provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses applying to REAP pursuing projects under $20,000.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. 

— USDA Rural Development Kansas