By Blake Jackson
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) has announced that she played a pivotal role in securing nearly $6 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to benefit over 50 Wisconsin farmers, ranchers, and businesses. The funds are aimed at facilitating investments in renewable energy, promoting the adoption of energy-efficient equipment, and ultimately reducing energy costs. These grants are made available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which supports agricultural producers and rural small businesses in their efforts to enhance energy efficiency, cut costs, generate additional income, and fortify the resilience of their operations.
Senator Baldwin emphasized the advantages of investing in renewable energy, underscoring that it offers a win-win scenario for Wisconsin's farmers, businesses, and the environment. By implementing energy-efficient equipment and renewable solutions like solar panels, Wisconsinites can anticipate reduced energy expenses. Lower energy costs enable reinvestment in their businesses and workforce. Senator Baldwin expressed pride in supporting these investments that not only pay for themselves but also mitigate the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, flooding, and drought.
The REAP program, which recently received a substantial $2 billion boost through the Inflation Reduction Act supported by Senator Baldwin, empowers farms and small businesses to embark on renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. These endeavors are geared toward lowering energy expenses, creating new income streams, and enhancing operational resilience.
In this funding allocation, over 50 farms and businesses in Wisconsin received REAP grants, furthering sustainable energy practices in the state. Some notable beneficiaries include:
- Kinnard Farms in Casco, which received $403,507 to implement a new feed handling system, projected to save $163,059 annually while significantly reducing energy consumption.
- Lemere Farms in Oconto, awarded $92,404 to install a grain drying system expected to result in annual savings of $11,664 and a substantial decrease in energy usage.
- I-K-I Manufacturing in Edgerton, which secured $371,700 to establish a roof-mounted solar array with potential annual savings of $74,474 and a substantial reduction in energy consumption.
- Nidus Hospitality in Wausau, granted $157,500 to enhance the hotel's elevator system's energy efficiency, with projected annual savings of $55,675 and reduced energy usage.
- Tomahawk Terminal Company in Tomahawk, receiving $106,183 to install a small solar electric array, set to save $5,998 annually and replace 100% of the business's energy consumption.
- Tom Saffert & Sons in Rice Lake, awarded $145,440 to enhance their grain dryer's energy efficiency, with anticipated annual savings of $7,422.
- CVG in Eau Claire, which received $58,400 to establish a small solar electric array, is estimated to result in annual savings of $6,364.
- COMWAS in Ettrick, granted $100,160 to install a small solar electric array, with projected annual savings of $19,990.
These grants represent a significant step toward a more sustainable and economically viable future for Wisconsin's agricultural and rural sectors. A full list of REAP award winners announced earlier this month can be found here.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-simplycreativephotography
Categories: Wisconsin, Business