MICHIGAN (WNEM) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing over $256 million in loans and grants to support more than 1,100 clean energy projects in 40 states, including Michigan.
The announcement was made by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on Thursday, Nov. 14.
The investments are being made through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The program allows agricultural producers and small businesses owners in rural areas to grow their use of wind, solar, geothermal, and small hydropower energy and make improvements to their energy efficiency.
According to the USDA, these innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, and address climate change while lowering energy costs.
In mid-Michigan, some of the awards are going to the following businesses and agriculture producers:
Labadie Buick GMC Cadillac Inc. in Bay CityFuture Technologies Inc. in Bay CityAckerman and Son LLC in VassarRedstone Dairy LLC in St. Louis
For a list of all projects and their funding, click here.
Nearly 7,000 of the projects were funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis, according to the USDA.
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