TL/DR –
Almost $3.25 million has been allocated to Colorado agriculture producers and rural small businesses from the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The funding, partly enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act, will be used to lower energy costs, expand access to clean energy, and combat climate change. Several businesses and organizations will benefit from the funding, including Bella Holsteins, Estes Industries, and the State of Colorado, as well as funding for 28 technical reports and assistance for 35 applicants applying for REAP funding.
Colorado Senators Welcome Rural Energy for America Program Funding
REAP Grants Boost Rural Clean Energy in Colorado
Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper announced the arrival of nearly $3.25 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Aimed at aiding agricultural producers and rural small businesses, the funding is aimed at decreasing energy costs, expanding the use of clean energy, and combating climate change. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which both senators supported, partially funds the program.
“Colorado’s rural communities are at the heart of our nation’s transition towards clean energy,” noted Bennet. The Inflation Reduction Act investments mark a significant stride towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, spurring rural economic growth, and decreasing Coloradans’ energy costs.”
“The Inflation Reduction Act enables us to support our agriculture economy in their efforts to expand clean energy use and enhance energy efficiency,” added Hickenlooper.
Allocations of REAP Grants in Colorado
The REAP grants will support several renewable energy initiatives across Colorado, including:
- $1,000,000 to Bella Holsteins in Platteville for a solar electric system;
- $520,000 to Estes Industries in Penrose for a similar project;
- $300,000 to the State of Colorado to aid 35 applicants seeking REAP funding;
- $248,000 to Grand Valley Hydropower in Palisade for solar system upgrades;
- $216,737 to Niwot Corporation DBA Specialty Products in Longmont for a solar roof system;
- $200,000 to Tri-State G&T Association for technical support to up to 80 applicants;
- $187,221 to Sun Powered in Durango for a solar electric system;
- $79,070 to Peak Brewing Co. in Durango for a similar project;
- $66,251 to Metal Roof Innovations in Colorado Springs for a solar roof system;
- $51,800 to Hoogland Farm in Fort Morgan for a solar electric system;
- $31,993 to Greyrock Properties in Durango for a solar roof system;
- $31,492 to Coons RE 4C in Bayfield for a similar project.
Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper have been active advocates for USDA’s rural clean energy programs, helping to secure nearly $14 billion that was included in the IRA for these programs, which includes an extra $2 billion for REAP. In the previous year, the senators welcomed an additional $18.83 million in REAP funding for rural small businesses across Colorado.
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