U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Indiana Acting State Director Curtis Johnson announced this week that USDA is funding new projects in six Hoosier counties to expand access to clean energy and strengthen Indiana farms and small businesses. USDA is making the investments through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
More than $2.4 million will support the projects.
REAP enables agricultural producers and rural small business owners to expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal, and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, and address climate change while lowering energy costs for American families.
In Marshall County, Sequel Wire & Cable LLC, a copper wire manufacturer, will use a $1 million grant to develop a renewable energy system for its operations. Project funds help purchase and install a 1298.5 kilowatt (kW) solar array. This project will save the business $124,431 annually and replace 1,800,432 kilowatt hours (kWh) (25 percent) annually, enough electricity to power 138 homes.
