(Fremont County, WY) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is partnering with farmers and small businesses throughout the country – including two in Fremont County – to expand access to clean energy and lower energy bills through the Rural Energy for America Program, the agency said in a press release last week.

“As drivers of our economy, farmers and rural business owners deserve affordable energy,” USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small said. “That’s why, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda, I’m proud to announce an additional $104 million in REAP loans and grants that will lower energy costs for farmers and small business and help them expand their operations, all while tackling climate change.”

The loans and grants will support more than 300 clean energy projects in 34 states, the press release says, including two in Fremont County.

The complete list of all REAP projects says 3 Lazy L LLC, located in Crowheart, will receive a $21,749 grant to help install a roof-mounted solar PV with a battery backup.

“The primary operation for the farm is growing perennials and orchards, which consist of 1,500 peonies and over 100 different varieties that are cut and sold,” the list says. “There is also a cow/calf operation on the farm.”

The project is expected to save the business $362 per year and replace 3,291 kilowatt hours of energy, which equates to 45 percent of the company’s current energy use, according to the USDA.

Doyle’s Property LLC, a multi-use commercial building in Riverton, will receive a $39,334 grant to make energy improvements, including “installing insulation in the ceiling, replacing windows, installing an evaporator cooler and LED lighting, and replacing analog thermostats,” the USDA said.

“The building will be used for retail space for local businesses, as well as house the Chamber of Commerce,” the project list states. “This project is expected to save $2,419 per year in energy costs, and enough energy to power eight homes.”

REAP enables agricultural producers and rural small business owners to expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements that help them increase their income, grow their businesses and address climate change while lowering energy costs for American families, the USDA said.

USDA continues to accept REAP applications and has set aside a portion of the program funds to support underutilized renewable energy technologies, like wind and geothermal power.

For more information, contact a local energy coordinator.