Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has awarded 12 grants, totaling $169,098, to agriculture producers and small businesses across Ohio. These grants will allow these businesses to invest in renewable energy and energy efficient improvements.
“Ensuring rural businesses and agricultural producers have access to low-cost renewable energy is essential as we continue to build resilient local economies and a strong domestic energy sector,” said Brown.
The following businesses will receive funding:
- $20,000 to Harbage Bros Farming Co. in South Charleston toward replacing an inefficient grain dryer
- $20,000 to Houts Partnership in Celina toward replacing an inefficient grain dryer
- $14,095 to Honeyrun Farm in Williamsport toward installing a roof mounted solar array
- $14,263 to Nieport Farms in Ansonia toward installing a roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system
- $9,312 to Ohio Rental of Johnstown, Inc. in Johnstown toward installing a roof-mounted solar PV system
- $16,687 to JB Machining Concepts in Ottawa toward installing a solar PV array
- $11,098 to William Tong in Alvada toward installing a ground mounted solar PV system
- $8,007 to Amish Toy Box in Caldwell toward installing a roof-mounted solar PV system
- $15,934 to J. Schmidt Farms in Payne toward purchasing and installing a grain dryer to replace the existing grain drying unit
- $9,640 to Downey Plumbing Heating & Cooling in Bowling Green toward installing a solar PV array
- $20,000 to Rogers Mill in Rogers toward installing a solar PV array
- $10,062 to M & K Investment Properties in Millersburg toward installing a solar PV system
The Rural Energy for America Program supports agricultural producers and rural small businesses. The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding for the purchase, installation, and construction of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.
The funds for this grant are a part of the USDA’s Rural Development initiative. Brown was an original supporter of REAP when it was first created in the 2008 Farm Bill. As the first Ohioan on the Senate Agriculture Committee in more than 50 years, Brown championed a strong Rural Development title in the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bill, and is continuing to advocate for rural Ohio and programs that promote energy efficiency and clean energy across rural America. More information on the program can be found here.
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