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United States Department of Agriculture • Rural Development

441 S. Salina Street • 5th Floor • Suite 357 • Syracuse, NY 13202-2425

Phone: (315) 477-6436 • Fax: (315) 477-6438 • TDD: (315) 477-6447 • Web: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ny

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         Media Contact: Julia Robbins 315-477-6436

                                                                                                            Julia.robbins@ny.usda.gov

 usda rural development awards $1 MILLION IN grants for New York renewable energy projects

            SYRACUSE, N.Y., September 15, 2005—Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns announced yesterday the selection of 150 applicants to receive almost $21 million in USDA Rural Development grant assistance for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in 32 States. Two New York projects each received $500,000 grants.

            "Enhancing America's energy independence is at the core of President Bush's comprehensive national energy policy. That makes energy conservation and clean, renewable sources of domestically produced energy more important than ever," said Johanns. "Renewable energy is also a major growth area for American farmers and a top priority for USDA. Energy conservation and renewable fuels are good for the environment, the economy, and farmers' bottom lines."

           "Since the beginning of his administration, President Bush has made it a priority to develop new sources of renewable energy for America’s homes, businesses and industries," said Patrick H. Brennan, State Director for USDA Rural Development in New York. "These innovative projects will help to keep rural businesses viable, save local tax dollars, and help America achieve energy independence."

CoolBrands Dairy, Inc., North Lawrence, NY will receive $500,000 to install a renewable energy system that will generate biogas from waste products generated during production of its yogurt and cottage cheese products. CoolBrands will contract with Ecovation, a Western New York renewable resource management company, to install and operate the system. The $3.3 million project will produce enough biogas to replace nearly 250,000 gallons of #6 fuel oil annually, nearly 25% of the dairy plant’s current usage.

            “Our nation must move toward greater use of renewable energy – to increase our energy independence, improve our environment, and promote jobs and investment in our rural areas,” said Congressman John M. McHugh (District 23).  “Northern New York has the potential to lead the way in development and commercial application of renewables, and it is critical that the federal government supports such efforts.  This investment in CoolBrands Dairy will help lead to yet another renewable success story for the North Country.”

“I am very pleased that CoolBrands has been selected to receive this grant for renewable energy.  Installing this system at CoolBrands will help the company remain efficient by conserving energy and recycling the by-products of its production process.  I commend USDA for having the foresight to fund this innovative project,” said Senator Raymond A. Meier.

     Cayuga County Public Power Agency, Auburn, NY, will use a $500,000 Renewable Energy Grant to construct an anaerobic digestion facility that will treat dairy manure and food wastes to generate power and heat. The energy will supply electricity and heat to public buildings adjacent to the facility, and surplus power will be sold to “green energy” customers. The $3.2 million project will process manure from 1500 dairy cows and produce composted solids to be sold for landscaping and liquid fertilizer to be used by farms supplying the manure.

            "Skyrocketing energy prices are placing a financial burden on small business owners across the country," said Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (District 24).  "And with the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina energy prices are expected to increase further.  We must continue to develop and utilize renewable energy sources here at home, and decrease our dependence on foreign source oil. I commend the Cayuga County Power Agency for preparing a winning application for this beneficial grant."

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents.  As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available by contacting a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ny. 

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