Clean energy projects in Kansas receive $1.2 million in grant funding

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – 23 clean energy projects across Kansas are receiving $1.2 million in grant funding.

The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) . The grants are for farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers, along with rural small businesses to help expand their use of wind, solar and small hydropower energy generation. This will power their operations and also improve energy efficiency.

The goal of the program is to reduce energy costs and create jobs in rural communities.

“USDA is committed to expanding modern clean energy systems that strengthen our energy independence,” said USDA Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis.

“We are excited to partner with family farms and small businesses to help create good-paying jobs and save rural Kansans money.”

Gant amounts and recipients are:

· A $96,112 grant to help purchase and install an 80-kilowatt solar system for Western Supply Co. Inc. of Hutchinson. The project is estimated to generate 126,045 kilowatt hours annually and replace 88 percent of the business’s annual energy needs.

· A $29,220 grant to help purchase and install a 15-kilowatt solar system for the Bentley Family Irrevocable Land Trust of Gove County. This project will realize $2,231 per year in savings and will generate 24,625 kilowatt hours per year.

· A $55,340 grant to help purchase and install a 42.1 kilowatt solar system for Cottonwood Hog Farm LLC of Newton. The project is estimated to generate 65,515 kilowatt hours annually and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual energy needs.

· A $53,393 grant to help purchase and install a 36-kilowatt solar array for Outdoor Vision LLC of Newton. The project is estimated to generate 55,819 kilowatt-hours and replace 95 percent of its energy use. This is enough electricity to power five homes.

· A $15,405 grant to help purchase and install a 10.27 kilowatt solar array for Justin Stithem, a rural small business in Chanute. This project will realize $1,630 per year in savings and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual electrical energy needs.

· A $23,035 grant to help purchase and install a 7.9-kilowatt solar array for Timber Rock Properties LLC of Chanute. This project will realize $829 per year in savings and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual electrical needs.

· A $19,995 grant to help Ag Strategies of Kansas LLC of Chanute make energy-efficient improvements to their ag supply business. The project is estimated to replace 12,840 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power one home.

· A $14,985 grant to help ElevenEleven Fresherie LLC of Chanute purchase and install a solar system for their smoothie and juice bar business. The project is estimated to replace 14,377 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power one home.

· A $6,912 grant to help Calvin D. Parker of Iola make energy-efficient improvements to a greenhouse. The project is estimated to replace 4,116 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power the average home for four months.

· A $6,199 grant to help RVH Properties LLC of Dennis purchase and install a new HVAC system. RVH provides customization of heavy-duty tow vehicles for recreational use. The project is expected to reduce the company’s energy use by 8,140 kilowatt hours, saving the company $1,056 per year in energy costs.

· A $71,750 grant to help purchase and install a 48-kilowatt solar system for Salina Diamond Sports LLC of Salina. The project will produce 65,922 kilowatt hours annually and replace 93 percent of the business’s annual energy usage.

· A $545,750 grant to help purchase and install a 550-kilowatt solar array for Ohlde Dairy LLC of Linn. The project is estimated to replace 900,033 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power 83 homes.

· A $16,872 grant to help Butler Ranch Operations LLC of Leon purchase a 10.8-kilowatt solar array for their ag operation. The project is estimated to generate 10,843 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power one home.

· An $18,415 grant to help the Schmidt Family Irrevocable Trust of Burrton purchase and install irrigation equipment for their farm. The project is estimated to save 59,992 kilowatts per year, enough energy to power five homes.

· A $19,088 grant to help Muddy Water Farms LLC of Fort Scott make energy-efficient improvements to its operations. The project is estimated to save 44,659 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power four homes.

· A $14,644 grant to help Mary Hobert LLC purchase and install a 6.6 kilowatt solar array. Mary Hobert operates the 1879 Stone House bed and breakfast along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway in Cottonwood Falls. The project is expected to replace 8,580 kilowatt hours per year, or 85 percent of their usage. The project is expected to save the company $1,099 per year.

· A $20,000 grant to help Lynco Rec DBA Holiday Lanes purchase and install energy-efficient LED lighting at its bowling alley in Pittsburg. The project is expected to reduce the company’s energy use from lighting by 65 percent, saving 64,186 kilowatt hours and $6,855 per year in energy costs.

· A $69,960 grant to help North Star Feeds LLC purchase and install a 52.8 kilowatt solar array. North Star Feeds is a manufacturer of feed fat blends in Atchison. The project is expected to save 78,017 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which is 82 percent of its usage and enough electricity to power more than seven homes. The project is expected to save the company $7,900 per year in energy costs.

· A $19,773 grant to help Mellowfields Farm LLC of Lawrence purchase and install a 19.4-kilowatt solar array. The project is estimated to save 27,686 kilowatts per year, enough energy to power two homes.

· A $41,178 grant to help purchase and install a 42-kilowatt solar array for Four Streams Dairy Inc. of Hanover. The project is estimated to replace 60,093 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power five homes. Four Streams Dairy Inc. currently has two employees.

· A $17,700 grant to help purchase and install a 10.56 kilowatt solar array for Gregory Jarrett, a rural small business located in Parsons. This project will realize $1,597 per year in savings and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual energy needs.

· A $20,000 grant to help purchase and install an 18.17 kilowatt solar array for One28 Bakes, a bakery located in Oswego. The system is estimated to produce 23,207 kilowatt hours per year, enough electricity to power two homes.

· A $15,020 grant to help Prairie Wind Aquatics of Garden City make energy-efficient improvements with new insulation and LED lighting. This project will save 2,230 kilowatt hours per year, enough to power one average household for two months.

To learn more about the program including some of its successes, click here .

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