Wittenberg farm gets USDA clean energy grant

Rural Development Wisconsin state director Julie Lassa announced April 24 the U.S. Department of Agriculture is funding 19 clean energy projects, including two in Shawano County to lower energy bills, expand access to domestic biofuels and create jobs and new market opportunities for Wisconsin farmers, small business owners and agricultural producers. “Today’s announcement showcases the variety of rural people and businesses using programs like the Rural Energy for America Program to save money on their energy costs that can then be reinvested in their operations,” Lassa said. “This not only strengthens their business but helps sustain and build the local economy.” Lassa announced more than $2.8 million in grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) during a visit to David Blashe’s cabinet manufacturing company in Marion. Robert Helbach Jr. in Wittenberg will use a $122,539 grant to install an energy efficient grain dryer. This project is expected to save $4,615 per year. It will replace 37,783 kilowatt hours, 32% of the business’s energy use, per year, which is enough energy to power three homes. Blashe will use a $13,166 grant to install a small solar electric array. This project is expected to save the rural cabinet maker $981 per year. It will replace 7,377 kilowatt hours, 89% of the company’s energy use, per year, which is enough energy to power one home. The REAP program helps agricultural producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal, and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families. Since 2021, USDA has announced in Wisconsin more than $14.5 million through REAP in 140 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will help rural business owners’ lower energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen their resiliency of operations. USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30. The funding includes a dedicated portion for underutilized renewable energy technologies.