ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 24 – USDA Rural Development State Director Colleen Landkamer recently announced that 18 farms and small businesses in rural Minnesota have been selected to receive over $1.7 million for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvement projects under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“This funding helps our farmers and rural small businesses become more efficient and competitive,” Landkamer said. “The road to energy independence goes through America’s farms and rural communities. President Obama and his Administration are committed to helping our nation increase its use of renewable energy and become more energy efficient.”
About 260 farms and rural businesses in Minnesota have been awarded REAP funds since 2008. REAP funding can be used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies and energy audits. More information on the REAP program, which was authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, is at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapResEei.html.
Examples of eligible projects include wind turbines, grain dryers, geo-thermal systems, equipment replacements, building upgrades and solar systems. Rural Development expects to announce more funding recipients through the REAP program later this year.
The following is a complete list of REAP recipients in Minnesota announced today. If you know any of these folks, send congratulations their way!
- Andrew Edmunson – $34,129 grant; $34,129 loan
- Bruce Dornink – $47,483 grant; $47,483 loan
- Dale Schock – $42,784 grant; $42,784 loan
- David Morse – $45,154 grant; $45,154 loan
- Donald Wilson- $33,508 grant; $33,508 loan
- Eric Wegner – $49,670 grant; $49,670 loan
- Farmers Elevator of Fergus Falls – $49,041 grant; $49,041 loan
- Greg Van Ruler – $32,781 grant; $65,563 loan
- James Hopman – $29,148 grant; $29,148 loan
- Jerry Ploehn – $39,390 grant; $39,390 loan
- Kevin Bauer – $49,858 grant; $49,858 loan
- Mike Kunerth – $49,710 grant; $25,000 loan
- Nassau Farmers Elevator Company – $95,289 grant; $189,533 loan
- Pro-Ag Farmers Cooperative – $45,325 grant; $48,600 loan
- Randy Ascheman – $28,532 grant; $28,532 loan
- Randy Peine – $49,996 grant; $10,000 loan
- Thomas Walsh – $44,405 grant; $44,405 loan
- Timmothy Risbrudt – $49,538 grant; $99,077 loan
