USDA Rural Development Announces Awards for Rural Energy for America Program Investments in Missouri

January 25, 2024

Projects Funded by REAP Grants to Help Rural Businesses in Concordia and Bonnots Mill, Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo., – USDA Rural Development Missouri State Director Kyle Wilkens today announced that his agency is investing nearly $100,000 in renewable energy projects through the Rural Energy for America Program.

"Energy efficiency is key for ag producers and rural business owners to lower overhead and increase job creation,” Wilkens said. “I am thrilled to see this investment in rural Missouri.”

Rural Energy for America Program projects in Missouri include:

$41,574 to Kesemann Tool & Die Inc. to purchase and install a solar array. This project is expected to save the business $4,705 per year which is enough to energy to power five homes.

$53,610 to Phil Thoenen & Sons Cabinets Inc. to purchase and install a solar array. This project is expected to save the business $4,979 per year which is enough to power four homes.

These awards are a part of 675 projects across 42 states which aim to cut energy costs for businesses and farmers – and in turn allow those savings to go toward job expansion and creation in rural areas.

Background

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families.

USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through September 30, 2024. The funding includes a dedicated portion for underutilized renewable energy technologies. For additional information on application deadlines and submission details, see page 19239 of the March 31 Federal Register.

Contact USDA Rural Development

Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/mo, by calling (573) 876-0976, or by emailing RDMissouri@usda.gov. Stay current by following @RD_Missouri on Twitter.

USDA Rural Development has 25 offices across the state to serve the 2.2 million residents living in rural Missouri. Office locations include a state office in Columbia, along with local offices in Butler, Charleston, Chillicothe, Clinton, Dexter, Eldon, Farmington, Higginsville, Houston, Kennett, Kirksville, Maryville, Mexico, Moberly, Neosho, New London, Poplar Bluff, Richmond, Rolla, Sedalia, Springfield, St. Joseph, Troy, and West Plains.