By Blake Jackson
Two Wisconsin businesses have secured over $375,000 in rural development grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support water loans and renewable energy initiatives.
Newcap, Inc., based in Oconto, received $323,263 through the USDA’s Household Water and Well System Grant. This funding will establish a revolving loan program to assist homeowners in Florence, Forest, Langlade, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Shawano, and Vilas counties, as well as six Tribal nations. The program aims to improve access to safe water systems in rural communities.
Black’s Valley Ag Supply, Inc., located in Pepin County, was awarded $51,855 through the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program. The grant will fund the installation of a solar electric array at their facility, which is expected to save the business $7,800 annually in energy costs.
“These projects are just a few of many examples of how the Rural Partners Network has helped strengthen community ties so underserved rural communities and families in Wisconsin can access the resources they need now and into the future,” said USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa. “These projects will help keep rural and Tribal communities in Wisconsin thriving for generations to come.”
The grants follow significant USDA investments in renewable energy for Wisconsin businesses, including $27 million in June, $93 million in October, and $24 million in November.
Wisconsin has received over $6 billion in federal funding for solar projects, contributing to the installation of 2,610 megawatts of solar energy, which currently provides 4.61% of the state’s electricity, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Energy