Two Regional Projects Secure Rural Development Funds
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, announced Tuesday that the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development office has awarded $245,000 in grants to expand economic development opportunities in rural communities across Ohio, including two projects in the Mahoning Valley region.
The funds were appropriated through 13 Rural Energy for America Program, or Reap, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grants, and one Community Facility Disaster Grant totaling $245,000 to communities across Ohio.
Two of the projects are located in the Mahoning and Columbiana counties, according to the list of recipients.
Schaefer Family Crop Farm LLC, a grain and livestock farm in Mahoning County, is slated to receive $12,312. The money will be used to install a roof mounted, 17.28- kilowatt solar energy system – enough energy to power two homes — resulting in $3,023 in savings for the operation.
A second company in the region, LPLAM, will receive a $20,000 grant to install a 29.98- kilowatt solar array to improve energy efficiency at a commercial plaza in Columbiana County. The system is expected to replace 100% of the electricity purchased from the grid on Salem, and is projected to generate enough electricity to power three homes. The project would reduce energy expenses by $4,474 annually for the property.
“We must ensure that communities across Ohio have the resources they need to grow local economies and improve the everyday lives of residents,” said Brown. “My office and I will continue working with community partners to ensure these communities continue to get the support they need.”
To see the full list of grant awards, click HERE.
The USDA Rural Development office 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.
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