USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner announced two grants to Eastern New Mexico businesses to help improve their energy efficiency.
Highland Dairy in Clovis, NM received a grant of $16,522 for the purchase and installation a chiller with heat recovery for their dairy. The chiller is expected to save 441,013 kWh which would power the equivalent of 40 homes.
Russell’s Endee Truck & Travel Center, LLC in San Jon, NM received a grant of $18,810 for the replacement of existing equipment towards more energy efficient LED lighting. The project estimates to save the equivalent of 270,330 kWh which would power the equivalent of 25 homes.
The funds were made available through the USDA Rural Energy for America Program REAP) which makes grants equivalent to 25% of the project costs available to farm, ranch and small business operations that seek to improve their energy efficiency.
USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner commented on today’s award, “Dairies and truck stops typically use a lot of electricity and these equipment upgrades will substantially reduce the energy costs at these two businesses.” Brunner continued, “By utilizing USDA’s Rural Energy for America program, Highland Dairy and Russell’s Endee Truck and Travel will save on their electric bill, which allows those funds to be invested elsewhere in their businesses. As well, their efforts will help to reduce their carbon footprint.”
For those small business, farm and ranch operations interested in accessing the REAP program visit USDA’s website at www.usda.gov or call the Rural Development State Office in Albuquerque at 505-761-4950.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.