Investment to Help 5 Communities Lower Energy Costs
ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 10, 2020 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Minnesota Brad Finstad today announced that USDA is investing $10.7 million to reduce energy costs for farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses and institutions in rural Minnesota.
“Renewable energy helps to create opportunities for improvement elsewhere, like creating jobs,” said Finstad. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner to rural Minnesota in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Background:
In Danube, Minnesota, USS Chariot Solar LLC will use a $2.1 million loan to purchase and install a 1.4 MW solar array that is estimated to produce 2.2 million kWh per year, which is enough energy to power 201 homes.
In rural Carver County, USS Hancock Solar LLC will use a $2.24 million loan to purchase and install a 1.4 MW solar array that is estimated to produce 2.2 million kWh per year, which is enough energy to power 201 homes.
In Owatonna, Minnesota, USS Bush Solar LLC will use a $2 million loan to purchase and install a 1.4 MW solar array that is estimated to produce 2.2 million kWh per year, which is enough energy to power 201 homes.
In rural Chippewa County, USS Pheasant Solar LLC will use a $2.12 million loan to purchase and install a 1.4 MW solar array that is estimated to produce 2.2 million kWh per year, which is enough energy to power 201 homes.
In Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, USS Reindeer Solar LLC will use a $2.25 million loan to purchase and install a 1.4 MW solar array that is estimated to produce 2.2 million kWh per year, which is enough energy to power 201 homes.
Each of these companies are special entity subsidiaries of US Solar that was established to as a holding company for solar projects throughout Minnesota. US Solar provides residents, communities and businesses with a renewable energy option for electricity.
USDA is investing in 5 rural small businesses and ag producers through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants and Guaranteed Loans. Investments can used for renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower and solar. REAP funding can also be used for energy audits and to make energy efficiency improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems, insulation, lighting and refrigeration.
Interested parties should contact their local Minnesota area office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details. Also visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/onerdguaranteeto learn more about how the REAP Guaranteed Loan Program will be streamlined under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative beginning October 1, 2020.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Supporting the rural workforce was a cornerstone recommendation of the task force.
To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/mn.
Last modified: 09/11/2020
