Local companies net federal energy funds
SPRINGVALE — Three Aroostook County businesses are among 13 in Maine selected to receive $108,001 to help them lower their energy costs and implement renewable energy systems.
Frederick S. Whited in Bridgewater has received a $3,757 grant to install variable speed drives on fans at a potato storage facility. This project will save $1,807 and decrease business energy consumption by 49 percent annually; each year 12,710 kWh will be saved, which is more than enough electricity to power an average home.
Moir Farms, LLC, in Woodland was awarded a $3,966 grant, and will also install variable speed fan drives as well as LED lighting at a potato storage facility. The improvements will save $2,727 and decrease energy consumption by 52 percent annually, for a total of 19,535 kWh saved each year.
The Birch Haven Campground, LLC, in Fort Kent will get an $18,750 grant to install a solar array to replace 100 percent of its annual usage. The project proposes to generate 35,983 kWh of electricity per year, or enough electricity to power the equivalent of three homes.
The grants were announced June 30 by USDA Rural Development Under-secretary Lisa Mensah and Rep. Chellie Pingree during a visit to McDougal Orchards in Springvale.
“Today’s announcement of Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants will have a tremendous impact on these 13 rural Maine businesses,” Mensah said. “It will help them lower their carbon emissions significantly and reduce overall operating costs. Helping rural businesses thrive and become self-sustaining is a critical role for USDA Rural Development in rural communities across the country. I am especially grateful to be joined by such a strong advocate for the REAP program in Rep. Pingree.”
“Each dollar that a farm or rural business doesn’t have to spend on energy is another dollar that can go toward creating jobs or investing in their long-term sustainability. That’s why REAP is so vital in a state like Maine,” said Pingree. “For Maine to receive 13 awards in one year is very exciting news. I’m incredibly grateful to USDA Rural Development for investing in these farms and businesses so they can cut their energy costs and reduce their impact on the environment.”
Other Maine businesses and agricultural producers which will receive REAP grants to install solar power capabilities are: McDougal Orchards, $14,837; Richard Jones, d/b/a Pine Tree LLC, Poland, $7,624; Erna Smith d/b/a Smith Farms, Lisbon Falls, $3,379; Fat & Happy Inc., North Berwick, $15,159; Christopher Hahn, LLC., South China, $6,895; Rollins & Sons Auto Body Inc., West Rockport, $6,224; Harvest Gold Jewelry Company, Lovell, $4,043; Waugh’s Mountain View Electric Inc., Rumford, $4,572; and Little River Veterinary Hospital, P.A., Northport, $15,856.
Additionally, Robert Johanson of Goranson Farm, Dresden, was awarded $2,939 to purchase and install a reverse osmosis system for boiling sap..
USDA Rural Development’s northern area office is in Presque Isle. Further information on rural programs is available by visiting the office or at www.rd.usda.gov/me.
