ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov 10, 2011 -- USDA Rural Development State Director Colleen Landkamer today announced that 14 farmers and rural small businesses in Minnesota have been selected to receive almost $300,000 in grants to install geothermal heating and cooling systems or conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy projects.

“Renewable energy makes rural businesses more competitive, allowing them to grow and create jobs,” Landkamer said. “These projects will significantly reduce energy consumption and lead to energy savings for years to come.”

All projects are funded through Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Through the REAP program, farmers and rural small businesses receive grants and loan guarantees to install renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements and conduct feasibility studies.

Since the REAP program was created in 2003, Minnesota farmers and small businesses have received about $50 million in grants and loan guarantees.

To learn more about the REAP program, visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/mn/RBS/Section%209006%20Renewable%20Energy%20Program.htm, or call a local Rural Development office in your area.

Minnesota farmers and small businesses selected to receive grants:

Byron Klaassen $9,260 grant Geothermal

Federated Rural Electric $12,165 grant Geothermal

Gary Carlson $9,767 grant Geothermal

Hammer Ag Sales $6,565 grant Geothermal

James Behrends $11,526 grant Geothermal

Jared Ahlers $6,500 grant Geothermal

Jonathan Wenzel $10,085 grant Geothermal

Nobles Cooperative Elec. $14,880grant Geothermal

Michael Zins $16,743 grant Geothermal

Thomas Olsem $6,332 grant Geothermal

Willis Sandbulte $4,956 grant Geothermal

Little Rock Wind, LLC $50,000 grant Feasibility

Norfolk Wind Energy, LLC $50,000 grant Feasibility

Wind Energy, LLC $50,000 grant Feasibility