In Nevada, three alternative energy and two energy-efficiency improvement projects were funded; three in Humboldt County and two in Douglas County for a total of $115,000. Funding is made available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which is authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill.
"The Obama Administration and USDA are helping agricultural producers and rural small business owners reduce their energy costs and consumption - and by doing so is helping to create jobs, preserve our natural resources, protect the environment and strengthen the bottom line for businesses," said Vilsack.
Nevada projects include the following:
• Dan Cassinelli; Winnemucca Martin Creek; Humboldt County. This project will construct a new 18.6 kW hydro electric turbine on the Old Mill Ranch, utilizing Martin Creek. The turbine is expected to generate approximately 142,000 kWh annually.
• Best Western Gold Country Inn. This project will purchase and construct a solar hot water system for the Best Western Gold Country Inn in Winnemucca. The system is expected to replace approximately 4,500 therms of natural gas used annually for heating the motel's hot water.
• T Five Ranch, LLC-2 Wind Turbines Humboldt County. This project will purchase and construct two 100 kW wind turbines on the T Five Ranch, which will be used to power the irrigation system. The two turbines are expected to generate a combined 262,800 kWh annually.
REAP offers funds for farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements. These federal funds leverage other funding sources for businesses. In all, USDA announced nearly $7.4 million in energy grants.
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