USDA Rural Development Announces Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy Projects
Stevens Point WI, Sept. 21, 2007 – State Director Frank Frassetto has announced the selection of 9 Wisconsin businesses for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in the State. “Wisconsin businesses have competed nationally for these highly coveted loan and grant dollars, and we are pleased that 9 of them have been successful, bringing nearly $4 Million home to Wisconsin”, said Frassetto.
The grant and loan guarantee/grant combinations are being awarded through USDA’s Section 9006 Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements program. It provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy generation systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.
“These funds will help create economic opportunity and reduce energy costs for farmers, ranchers and small businesses in rural communities,” said Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas Dorr, who made the national announcement earlier. “Our renewable energy programs have a significant impact on creating jobs and investment opportunities and maintaining financially viable communities.”
Wisconsin awardees are:
A-A Exteriors.Com, Inc. – Waupaca Wisconsin – $16,083 Grant
This small business specializes in energy updating to existing buildings and exterior remodeling. They will use the grant to install a system to not only provide a renewable energy source, but to help market the business to customers that are interested in alternative energy sources and updates. Matching project grant funds have also been received from Focus On Energy.
Central Sands Dairy, LLC – Nekoosa Wisconsin – $600,000 Loan and $494,292 Grant
Central Sands Dairy will use their guaranteed loan and grant funds to purchase and install an anaerobic digester for their 3,500-cow dairy farm operation in central Wisconsin. The generated biogas will then be sold to a local utility.
Krueger Lumber Co., Inc. – Valders Wisconsin – $48,653 Grant
Krueger Lumber Co., a small lumber mill in rural Manitowoc County, will use their grant funds to install a wood waste burning boiler with an automated feed system, replacing the #2 fuel oil burning boiler they currently use. The system will replace 100% of their energy costs, and use waste wood generated from their mill. The balance of the funds needed for this project have been granted by Focus On Energy.
Majestic View Dairy, LLC – Lancaster Wisconsin – $280,994 Loan and $280,993 Grant
An anaerobic digester will be purchased and installed on Majestic View Dairy’s 900-cow dairy farm operation in southwestern Wisconsin with their guaranteed loan and grant awards. The generated biogas will then be sold to a local utility.
Overbeek, David – Delavan Wisconsin – $5,770 Grant
The grant funds awarded to David Overbeek and his 200-acre, 800 head veal calf farm operation in rural Walworth County, will support the construction of a corn burner that will provide heat and hot water for two veal calf barns.
Paukstat, Gerald – Neshkoro Wisconsin – $7,245 Grant
Gerald Paukstat is sole proprietor of a furniture repair and restoration business in Neshkoro. He will use his grant to install a photovoltaic panel with inverter, which will generate 95-100% of the electrical needs for the business. Additional funds needed to complete the project have been granted by Focus On Energy.
Seely, Peter A. – Plymouth Wisconsin – $12,325 Grant
Peter Seely’s operation is a 25-acre vegetable crop farm located in rural Sheboygan County, from which vegetables are distributed to approximately 500 southeastern Wisconsin households. He will use the grant towards the purchase and installation of a solar powered photovoltaic panel for the farm. Additional funds needed to complete the project have been granted by Focus On Energy.
Statz Brothers, Inc. – Sun Prairie Wisconsin – $467,456 Loan and $467,456 Grant
The guaranteed loan and grant dollars awarded to Statz Brothers, Inc. will be used to purchase an install an anaerobic digester for their large-scale, 2,100 cow dairy operation. The generated biogas will then be sold to a local utility.
Trega Foods, Inc. – Little Chute Wisconsin – $805,270 Loan and $500,000 Grant
The guaranteed loan and grant dollars awarded to Trega Foods, Inc. will be used to purchase a 600 hp waste wood boiler and related equipment for their Weyauwega facility. The waste wood boiler will generate sufficient energy to replace 88% of their natural gas needs.
A complete list of national recipients is posted on the USDA Rural Development web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Nationally, Rural Development has invested more than $76.8 billion since 2001 for equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. More than 1.5 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments.
Further information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting the agency’s web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov/wi.
