Vicksburg’s Quilly’s Magnolia RV Park this week announced it has been awarded a $1 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to aid in installing solar panels on the property on Miller Street.

“This funding will be used to install solar panels aimed at reducing the park’s electric usage by 95% as part of the park’s commitment to sustainability and preserving the environment,” Quilly’s representatives said in a statement.

The solar panel installation is slated for completion by the end of 2025 and is scheduled to be mounted on “shade structures” that will not only power the park, representatives said, but will also reduce energy costs by providing additional shading for RVs during hot summer months. Park officials said they plan to invest an additional $1 million in order to match the grant funding and show their “deep commitment to energy efficiency and renewable resources.”

“We’re excited to take this step toward sustainable energy use,” Quilly’s Magnolia RV Park founder and General Manager Katie McLeod said. “Our goal is to make a significant environmental impact by reducing our reliance on traditional energy sources and protecting the natural beauty that makes RVing and camping so special.”

McLeod said, with the REAP grant, Quilly’s is leading the way in using renewable energy to preserve nature, enhance guest experiences, and contribute to a cleaner future for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. McLeod said the project will be a model of how RV parks can adopt greener technologies while continuing to offer comfortable, eco-friendly experiences for guests.

For more information about Quilly’s Magnolia RV Park of Vicksburg, visit  https://www.quillysrvparks.com/vicksburg-ms.