October 1, 2009 - LENOIR CITY, Tenn. – USDA Rural
Development State Director Bobby Goode announced today 15 projects across the
state will receive their part of $1.5 million awarded under the Rural Energy for
America Program (REAP). The announcement was made at a REAP recipient event at
Wampler’s Farm Sausage Company in
In addition to Wampler’s, Goode also
announced Hometown Medical Clinic in
"Sustainable Future is a great partner for USDA's
renewable energy program," said Goode. "They've helped get these projects off
the drawing board at Wampler's Farm Sausage, Hometown Medical and Apalachee
Nursery. Together they prove it doesn't matter the size of the company or
location, renewable energy lowers the cost of doing business, and that's good
for jobs in rural communities."
Wampler's Farm Sausage was awarded $46,875 that will be
combined with $75,000 Economic and Community Development Grant from the state,
and $65,625 in company contributions to fund the $187,500
project.
The funding will help Wampler install a power generation
system, made up of 130 solar panels on the roof of the food-manufacturing
facility. The substantial 22,750 watt array will lower the cost of doing
business for the company and provide an example of a real-world application of
clean energy technology to citizens, agricultural producers and other rural
businesses.
A REAP grant of $11,327 is also being awarded to
Apalachee Nursery, to finance the installation of a solar power generation
system. The system is expected to replace 100% of the annual energy demand of
the nursery.
Hometown Medical Clinic is being awarded a grant of
$18,105, to be combined with $28,968 Economic and Community Development grant
from the state, and $25,347 in clinic contributions to fund the $72,420 project.
The project will serve to provide power to the medical clinic food processing
operation by installing a solar array on the roof of the
clinic.
“President Obama and I are committed to
helping rural businesses become more energy efficient – it’s good for the
economy, good for the environment, and good for the workers and customers who
depend on the goods and services these businesses provide,” said Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack. “While the REAP grants will continue to provide an
important jump start to a clean, renewable energy future, Congress must act to
pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation to create the green jobs our
economy needs and get our nation on the path to being truly energy
independent.”
Other projects across
REAP loan guarantees and grants can be
used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility
studies and energy audits. More information on the REAP program, which was
authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, is at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/index.html.
Rural Development invests in business
development, community infrastructure, homeownership and affordable rental
housing in rural communities. Last year Rural Development assisted more than
678,000
For more information on Rural Development programs
available in
Greeneville—423-638-4771 Ext.
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