IOWA, USA — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is investing more than $18 million dollars into clean energy projects throughout the state of Iowa.
The $18,211,903 will be spread across 183 different projects in various counties and cities in Iowa.
The grant comes as part of the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which is meant to help agricultural producers make renewable energy investments in an effort to combat climate change. The initiative is funded in part by President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
"Iowans know the power of a dollar and they like to save money. And so they're part of that clean energy economy and they're saving some money, and we're really thrilled at USDA to be part of helping them access those resources," said Rural Development State Director Theresa Greenfield in a press release.
Over 100 projects were chosen to receive grant money, ranging from rural farms to schools and office buildings.
Red Lion Creston Schools Solar LLC received $1 million to help install solar panels. The project is expected to save over $150,000 a year.
A family-owned business in Marshall County will receive over $20,000 to build a solar system for their over-road trucking business. The USDA expects this project to save over $5 thousand a year and provide 100 percent of the business energy usage.
The USDA accepts REAP applications throughout the year, holding funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024.
"Our farmers and our small businesses, they're anxious. They're anxious to be a part of the clean economy, they're anxious to save some money and lower their costs," Greenfield said. "And so it's a pretty exciting time. And that's why I keep saying, I'm really proud of our producers and our small businesses. They're leaders in growing and building their communities."