USDA awards $35M for energy projects

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded $35 million for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, the department announced Wednesday.

Grants and loan guarantees will be awarded to 639 individuals and businesses in 45 states and the Virgin Islands, Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer said in a news release.

"America is a world leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency," Schafer said. "These projects are good for business, good for the economy, good for jobs, and they help secure more self-sufficient energy resources for our country."

The funding will support a variety of energy-production and energy-saving project, Schafer said. For example, Chad Brandt of Oakes, N.D., will receive $67,374 in grant and loan funds to replace his existing grain dryer with a more energy-efficient model expected to lower energy costs by more than 20 percent. D.J. Keehner Farms Inc. in Monona, Iowa, will get a $11,561 grant to replace a propane heating system with a more energy-efficient geothermal heating system, expected to reduce energy costs by 78 percent, Schafer said.

The grants and loan guarantees are awarded through a energy program in the department's rural development division.