USDA to invest $166,955 in West Virginia farmers, small businesses

MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – USDA announced on Wednesday that $166,955 will be invested in lowering energy bills for West Virginia agricultural producers, rural small businesses, and farmers through the Rural Energy for America Program.

The ongoing projects stand to grow the national economy from the bottom up and middle out, creating jobs and spurring economic growth through clean energy projects which will lower energy costs throughout rural communities.

“West Virginia farmers and rural small businesses continue to benefit from [the] Inflation Reduction Act,” said Ryan Thorn, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development West Virginia State Director. “It’s just another example of [a] commitment to growing the economy from the bottom up and middle out. The investments will lower costs for these agriculture producers and rural small businesses allowing them to reinvest in their business and increase the resiliency of their operation.”

Seven total projects will be funded across West Virginia by Rural Development through the Rural Energy for America Program.

Hardy County’s MTM Worldwide will utilize a REAP grant of $10,586 for the purchase and installation of a 6.8 kW solar array, while Huntington Steel & Supply will purchase and install new air and heat conditioning units using a $4,600 REAP grant.

Bennady’s of McDowell County looks to utilize a REAP grant of $19,879 for the installation and purchase of a 13.4 kW solar array. Mineral County’s MJW Farm will utilize a $7,000 REAP grant for the upgrade of a solid-sided greenhouse with thermostatically controlled roll-up sides.

West Virginia University will utilize $100,000 in REAP grant funding to conduct 60 energy audits for rural small businesses as well as agricultural producers statewide.

Morgan County’s Colin Williams will purchase and install a 7.6kW solar array for The Artist Studio Mountain Retreat through a $12,930 REAP grant.

McCoy House Bed and Breakfast of Pendleton County will utilize a $12,000 REAP grant for the purchase and installation of a 7.6Kw solar array.