By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in South Dakota, led by State Director Nikki Gronli, has made a groundbreaking announcement. Ten grants, totaling over $3.2 million, have been awarded to empower South Dakota’s agricultural community.
These grants are part of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and aim to lower energy bills, generate additional income, create job opportunities, and enhance the competitive edge for the state's farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers.
The REAP investments are funding a variety of innovative and sustainable energy projects. For instance, Golden Dakota Farms, LLC is set to receive $1 million to install an anaerobic digester at a dairy farm near Elkton, projected to save over $1.6 million annually in energy costs.
Coteau Tiling, Inc.’s grant will support the installation of a solar array, leading to significant yearly energy savings. Similarly, a grant to Paul Deboer will enable the installation of a geothermal heat pump system, further contributing to energy cost reductions.
These REAP investments are just a segment of the broader initiative by USDA to support renewable energy projects in rural areas. The program continues to accept applications, with quarterly funding competitions scheduled through September 30, 2024. A portion of the funding is specifically dedicated to underutilized renewable energy technologies.
For those interested in applying, detailed information about application deadlines and submission requirements can be found on the USDA Rural Development's REAP page for South Dakota.
Photo Credit - usda
Categories: South Dakota, Energy, Government & Policy