NEWS
RELEASE
United States Department
of Agriculture • Rural Development
3001 Coolidge Rd. • 2nd Floor North • Suite 200 • East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: (517) 324-5204 • Fax: (517) 324-5225 •
alec.lloyd@mi.usda.gov
Contact: Alec Lloyd
(517) 324-5204
USDA Rural Development Announces National Renewable Energy Report
EAST LANSING, March 20, 2012 – U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan James Turner today announced the release of a report highlighting the ways in which USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) contributes to U.S. energy independence and helps rural small businesses and farmers become more energy efficient.
Turner made the announcement at McDonald’s Food & Family Center in Bad Axe. The owners of the facility, Lowell and Beth McDonald, were recipients of a $12,488 grant through the program.
“This report demonstrates the compounding effect energy efficiency programs like REAP can have on individuals, businesses, Michigan and the nation as a whole” said Turner. “Our agency provided a $12,488 grant, which turned into a $13,114 energy saving for McDonald’s Food & Family Center within the first year. Michigan spends over $23 billion a year on energy and most of that money leaves the state. These investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency represent savings that stay here in Michigan and can be reinvested to make our rural communities stronger.”
The REAP program has funded 5,733 projects throughout the United States and its territories since fiscal year 2009 and saved enough energy since the program began in 2003 to power nearly 600,000 homes for one year. In Michigan Rural Development has funded 184 REAP projects and saved 47,144,000 kWh since FY 2009.
“McDonald’s Food & Family Center is just one of the 84 energy efficiency projects that were completed in Michigan” Turner said. “Before the heat reclaim coil was installed the rooftop, heating units were running on average for 18 hours per day. The expense for the energy efficiency investment is expected to be paid back to the business within 2.5 years. That savings will make this 59-year-old community keystone stronger and more sustainable for the future of Bad Axe.”
The complete nationwide report is available online at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/Reports/rdREAPReportMarch2012.pdf
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $165 billion in affordable loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.
#
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).