Virginia Farmers and Rural Businesses Receive USDA Grants for Renewable Energy Projects
 Aerial view of roof mounted solar panels on the Zeus Digital Theater in Waynesboro installed with FY 2023 REAP funding (USDA photo by Lance Cheung).
RICHMOND, Va., March 28, 2024 – Six Virginia projects are included in today’s U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcement of $120 million in funding to help expand access to renewable energy systems in 44 states.
The following agricultural producers and rural small businesses will use $1.2 million in Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants to cut their energy costs and generate new income to grow their operations while also combating climate change:
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Meadowbrook Growers LLC will install a 60.075-kilowatt (kW) roof mounted photovoltaic system on the 41-acre poultry farm in Augusta County. The 135 solar panels and four inverters will reduce operating costs by generating approximately 101 percent of the annual electric usage for the broiler chicken operation.
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WRF Dairy LLC will make energy efficiency improvements to poultry production houses in Weyers Cave. One structure will be retrofitted and a second will be rebuilt to help lower operating costs related to electric and propane consumption. Energy saving improvements include new equipment controllers, tunnel doors, brood curtains, vent doors, attic vents and heaters as well as cooling system upgrades and high efficiency fans. Once implemented, these measures should reduce energy usage by nearly 30 percent with a total payback of 11.2 years.
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River Run Manor LLC in Goochland County will install a 141.75 kW photovoltaic system that is projected to generate an annual savings of $18,816. These funds will then go to support leasing and maintenance of the historic mansion and grounds, which are used as a wedding and event venue.
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PCKK Partners LLC will install a 34.02 kW roof photovoltaic system to offset the energy usage for a commercial building in Montgomery County
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Turner Farms of Shenandoah LLC will make energy efficiency improvements on two turkey houses being converted to broiler production in Page County. These buildings will be retrofitted with upgraded heating and ventilation systems as well as new insulation and fans. These updates should generate a 59 percent reduction in electric and gas consumption with a projected payback of 19.1 years.
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Winchester Printers Inc. will install a 301.86 kW roof mounted photovoltaic system for the family-owned business. This project aligns with the grantee's goals of increasing the use of sustainable energy and environmentally friendly products, offsetting about 80 percent of the energy usage for the 25,000 square foot plant sited on five acres just east of city.
“USDA has invested more than $1.8 billion since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration to fund over 6,000 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements nationwide,” said Perry Hickman, USDA Rural Development Virginia State Director. “These solar power systems and efficiency improvements funded through REAP will help free up funds that can instead be used to create jobs and new revenue streams for people in the recipient’s communities.”
Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a total of 541 REAP awards in Virginia and the following states during a visit to the University of Nebraska Omaha: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024, with a portion of the funds dedicated for underutilized renewable energy technologies. For additional information on application deadlines, submission details and eligibility determinations, contact Virginia State Energy Coordinator Tracey Krespach at tracey.krespach@usda.gov or see page 19239 of the March 31 Federal Register.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 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.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit www.rd.usda.gov or contact the Virginia Rural Development state office.
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