USDA: Invests $822,000 in renewable energy projects in rural Wisconsin

STEVENS POINT, Wis., Dec. 6, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa announced that the Department is investing $633 million to reduce the impacts of climate change on rural communities across the country including Wisconsin. With the enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and as part of the broader Build Back Better agenda, the Biden-Harris Administration has made investing in rural communities, creating good-paying jobs and combatting the climate crisis top priorities.

“When USDA invests in renewable energy, we invest in the people and businesses of rural Wisconsin who help create thriving, vibrant communities,” Lassa said. “These investments are an example of USDA Rural Development’s commitment to financing rural infrastructure, embracing renewable energy and supporting America’s path to energy independence.”

USDA is investing in 791 investments through the Community Facilities Disaster GrantsElectric Loan ProgramRural Energy for America ProgramRural Energy Savings Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. These programs are specifically designed to help people and businesses in rural areas. They demonstrate the many ways USDA Rural Development partners with rural residents, businesses and communities to address economic development, infrastructure and social service needs.

These investments will help build and improve rural electric infrastructure and connect residents to affordable and dependable power. They will assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. They will also aid transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities offer higher ethanol and biodiesel blends to customers by sharing the costs to install fuel pumps, equipment and infrastructure.

Examples of Rural Energy for America Program projects from around Wisconsin include:

  • ABS Global Inc, a bovine genetics producer in DeForest, will use a $250,000 grant to install a 657-kilowatt solar array. This project will save the business $60,682 per year or 110 percent of the business’ energy use, which is enough electricity to power 80 homes.
  • Michael Klein, a grain farmer in Platteville, will use a $21,600 grant to install a more energy-efficient grain drying system. This project is expected to save the farm $11,303 per year or 40 percent of the farm’s energy use, which is enough electricity to power 32 homes.
  • Gross Motors of Black River Falls, a car dealership, will use a $70,800 grant to install solar arrays at their facility. This project is expected to save the business $23,670 per year or 64 percent of the company’s energy use, which is enough electricity to power 21 homes.
  • Dane Manufacturing Company, a metal fabricator and contract manufacturer of precision metal goods in Waunakee, will use a $8,200 grant to install a more energy efficient LED lighting system. The new system is expected to save the business $4,003 per year or 38 percent of the company’s energy use, which is enough electricity to power five homes.
  • Bill Seeger a crop farmer in Prairie Farm, will use a $7,700 grant to install a more energy efficient grain dryer. The new grain dryer is expected to save the farm $2,231 per year or 37 percent of the farm’s energy use, which is enough electricity to power five homes.
  • Lisowe Acres LLC, a dairy farm in Malone, will use a $26,000 grant to install a 300-kilowatt solar array on their barn roof. The new system is expected to save the farm $26,878 per year or 44 percent of the farm’s energy use, which is enough electricity to power 35 homes.
  • Gross Motors Inc, a car dealership in Neillsville, will use a $40,200 grant to install a solar PV array. The project is expected to save the business $6,503 per year or 50 percent of the company’s energy use, which is enough electricity to power 10 homes.

In addition to these projects, USDA invested $397,500 in a Rural Energy for America Program guaranteed loan in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans living in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/wi, call us at 715-345-7600 or email wi-rd-stateoffice@usda.gov.

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