TOPEKA – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Director for Kansas Rural Development Christy Davis announced January 15 that Rural Development is funding 54 projects to generate clean energy and improve energy efficiency in Kansas. The $5,883,731 in investments are made through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“Expanding clean energy production benefits working families and small businesses in Kansas,” Davis said. “These projects are strengthening our energy independence and helping rural small businesses take control of their energy needs.”
The announcement is part of a larger national announcement that includes projects in 41 other states and three territories.
The details of the southwest Kansas projects include:
• A $1,000,000 grant will help High Plains Ag Energy LLC construct an anaerobic digester in Scott County. The anaerobic digester will produce an estimated 60,548 MMBTU of renewable natural gas per year.
• A $56,357 grant will help Mull Investments LP upgrade three irrigation wells from natural gas-powered units to electric powered units. Mull Investments is an existing ag producer in Kiowa County. The new system is expected to save $7,507 per year.
• A $324,498 grant will help Shaw Feedyard Inc. purchase and install a 192 kW solar system. Shaw Feedyard is an existing ag producer located in Clark County. This project is expected to replace 311,529 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power 28 homes.
• A $98,553 grant will help Boles Ranch LLC purchase and install a 68.44 kW solar system. Boles Ranch is a cattle ranch located in Seward County. This project is expected to replace 124,120 kWh per year, enough energy to power 11 homes.
• A $124,158 grant will help Hilltop Lanes purchase and install a more energy efficient heating, ventilation and cooling system and install additional insulation to the building. Hilltop Lanes is a bowling alley in Syracuse. The improvements are expected to save the business $4,242 per year in energy costs.
To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
