(WTAQ-WLUK) — A handful of projects in rural Northeast Wisconsin communities received federal dollars to lower energy costs and create jobs.
$93 million was awarded to 23 projects across the state — six of which are in the Northeast Wisconsin region. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America (REAP) and Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) programs.
Officials say the funding will help build a more resilient and prosperous future for people living and running businesses in rural areas of Wisconsin.
“This grant funding will invest directly in farmers, business owners, and cooperatives, helping lower energy costs and increase sustainability,” said USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa in a news release.
Projects in Coleman, Manitowoc, Weyauwega, Wrightstown and Seymour are receiving funding. Descriptions of each of the projects are below.
Corey Kuchta – $18,955
This Rural Development investment will be used to help beef producer Corey Kuchta install a 16 kilowatt (kW) solar array in Coleman, Wisconsin. This project is expected to save $2,200 in electrical costs per year and replace 19,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) (100 percent of the producer’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power one home.
Kuchta Farms – $20,000
This Rural Development investment will be used to help ag producer Kuchta Farms install a 14 kilowatt (kW) solar electric array in Coleman, Wisconsin. This project is expected to save $2,400 in electrical costs per year and replace 19,600 kilowatt hours (kWh) (81 percent of the farm’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power two homes.
Stecker Machine Co. Inc. – $43,245
This Rural Development investment will be used to help machine shop Stecker Machine Co Inc. purchase and install high efficiency LED lighting in Manitowoc. This project is expected to save the business $19,000 per year in electrical costs.
The Tanning Supply Shop LLC – $16,309
This Rural Development investment will be used to help The Tanning Supply Shop LLC install a small solar electric array in Weyauwega. This project is expected to save the business $4,000 in electrical costs per year and replace 30,000 kilowatt hours (100 percent of the business’ energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power two homes.
Zeta Group Engineering LLC – $81,470
This Rural Development investment will be used to help Zeta Group Engineering LLC install a 77-kilowatt solar electric array in Wrightstown. This project is expected to save the business $7,400 in electrical costs per year and replace 61,000 kilowatt hours (100 percent of the business’ energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power six homes.
Full Circle Community Farm LLC – $40,850
This Rural Development investment will be used to help Full Circle Community Farm install a wind turbine in Seymour. This project is expected to save the farm $8,000 in electrical costs per year and replace 40,000 kilowatt hours (80 percent of the farm’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power three homes.
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