A total of 61 farmers and rural small businesses in Minnesota have been selected to receive almost $2.5 million in grants and loans to install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. The funding is awarded through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

Local recipients include:

Wallace Bustad Excavation Service, Inc., Austin, $18,245 for purchase and installation of a 20 kilowatt turbine to offset energy bills.

Worlein Funeral Home, Inc., Austin, $10,167 for purchase and installation of a 2.92 kilowatt Solar PV (15 solar panels, each 195 watts) for funeral home building.

Bunne Farms, Ostrander, $49,910 grant and $99,820 loan for replacing a grain dryer.

Dennis King, Ostrander, $19,974 for replacing old Farm Fans model with a grain-drying system.

‘These grants and loans help Minnesota farmers and rural businesses become more efficient and competitive,’ said Colleen Landkamer, State Director for Rural Development in Minnesota. ‘The Obama Administration is committed to making America more energy independent. This funding helps ensure that rural Minnesota remains a leader in the renewable energy field.’

Throughout the United States and the Western Pacific Islands, 365 recipients were selected to receive more than $15 million in REAP grants and loans. The REAP program was established in the 2008 Farm Bill and is not part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Examples of energy projects that qualify for funding through the REAP program include the replacement of old grain dryers, small and large wind turbines, geothermal heating, solar systems, and replacing lighting, ventilation and pumping equipment with more energy efficient models.

Minnesota projects were awarded $1.46 million in grants and $1 million in loans. Additional information on the REAP program may be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov.