LEXINGTON, Ky. — On November 14, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Dr. Tom Carew announced that over $3.3 million in federal funding has been awarded to 23 projects in rural Kentucky, some of which are in the Local 6 region.
These projects are funded through the Rural Energy for America Program, which aims to help rural businesses and agricultural producers make energy efficiency and clean energy improvements.
The Mayfield Venture Hospitality LLC project will receive a $157,550 grant to purchase and install a 115-kilowatt solar system. According to the USDA, the project is expected to save $18,841 per year in energy costs and generate 160,900 kilowatt hours of energy per year, which is enough to power approximately 14.77 homes.
Similarly, the Johnny Matheny III project will receive a $409,590 grant to purchase and install a 223-kilowatt solar system. According to the USDA, the project is expected to save $38,604 per year in energy costs and generate 314,626 kilowatt hours of energy per year, which is enough to power approximately 28.88 homes.
“More and more businesses are crunching the numbers and seeing the value in making energy efficiency and energy generation improvements, and the projects I’m announcing today will help lower energy costs and harness renewable energy,” said Carew.
Beyond the $3.3 million awarded in Kentucky, the USDA is investing more than $256 million in loans and grants that will support more than 1,100 clean energy projects in 40 states.
“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are ensuring farmers, small business owners and rural communities have the resources they need for the future,” U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “The investments I’m announcing today will help rural communities lead our country toward an economy that benefits working people everywhere with lower costs and clean energy jobs.”
