By Ryan Duey

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis announced that the USDA is partnering with rural Kansans on 23 clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy, and create jobs in rural Kansas communities.

Ohlde Dairy, LLC of Linn was awarded a $545,750 grant to help purchase and install a 550 kilowatt solar array. This project is estimated to replace 900,033 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power 83 homes.

Four Streams Dairy Inc. of Hanover was awarded a $41,178 grant to help purchase and install a 42-kilowatt solar array. This project is estimated to replace 60,093 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power 5 homes.

These investments are made through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The REAP program helps agricultural producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal, and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change, and lower energy costs.