U.S. Department of Agriculture

TOPEKA, Kan., Oct. 18, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas Director Christy Davis today announced that USDA is awarding more than $650,000 in grants to help rural Kansans in seven communities build renewable energy generation systems or improve their existing energy efficiency.

“With this program Kansas farmers and rural business owners can expand their operations while lowering energy costs,” Davis said. “These grants will support rural communities with clean energy production and improved efficiency.”

Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement that includes 38 other states, Guam and Puerto Rico. The details of the Kansas projects are:

· A $98,764 grant will help the Berger Company purchase and install a 68.73 kilowatt (kW) solar system. Berger Company is an established leather manufacturer located in Atchison. This project is expected to generate 97,427 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, enough energy to power eight homes.

· A $131,950 grant will help Controlled Environmental Warehousing LLC, of Osage City, purchase and install a 144.4 kW solar system. This project is expected to replace 205,859 kWh per year, enough energy to power 18 homes.

· A $78,801 grant will help Sutherland Family Limited Partnership purchase and install a 44.88 kW solar system. Sutherland Family operates Sutherland Shopping Center in Paola. This project is expected to replace 58,611 kWh of electricity per year, which is enough energy to power five homes.

· A $48,208 grant will help the Brothers Market 5 Inc. purchase and install LED lighting. Brothers Market is an existing grocery store located in Tonganoxie. This project is expected to save 89,773 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power eight homes.

· A $95,037 grant will assist Malay’s Market, an existing grocery store located in WaKeeney, purchase and install new refrigeration equipment and LED lighting. This project is expected to save $8,947 per year and replace 104,721 kWh of electricity per year, which is enough energy to power nine homes.

· A $135,279 grant will assist Quinter Area Hospitality Group LLC purchase and install a 79.2 kW solar system. Quinter Area Hospitality is an established hotel

located in Quinter. This project is expected to replace 136,540 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power 12 homes.

· A $65,201 grant will help purchase and install a 31.9 kW solar array for Advance Termite and Pest Control Inc. of Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 44,098 kWh per year, enough energy to power four homes.

Background The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) 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.

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.