ST. PAUL, Minn., Jun 25, 2012 -- USDA Rural Development State Director Colleen Landkamer today announced that nine rural small businesses and farmers have been selected to receive almost $100,000 in grants to reduce energy consumption or install renewable energy systems. Funding is made available through USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

“The Obama Administration is using an ‘all of the above’ approach to reduce energy consumption, preserve natural resources and create jobs,” Landkamer said. “Stable energy costs create an environment for sustainable job growth and economic development in rural communities. Minnesota has been a leader in the REAP program and we’re building on that success with today’s announcement.”

Minnesota farmers and small businesses selected for funding include:

Since 2009, almost 540 small businesses and farmers in rural Minnesota have received funding through the REAP program to install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. These investments are projected to save over 100,000,000 kWh in energy, enough to power about 10,000 American homes for one year.

Nationally, 450 projects were announced in 31 states. A complete list of projects can viewed here.

For more information on the REAP program, go here or contact a Rural Development office in your area. Rural Development also invests in housing, infrastructures, job creation and high-speed Internet in rural areas. Since 2009, Rural Development has invested over $3 billion throughout Minnesota.