WASHINGTON - Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Rural Development has awarded 13 grants totaling $192,133 to Iowa through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“Investment in renewable energy is a win for Iowa,” Grassley said. "We have the opportunity to lower our country’s dependence on foreign oil while creating jobs for Iowans.”
The Office of Rural Development will distribute the funds as shown below organized alphabetically by town. All funds are being used to purchase and/or install energy efficient grain drying systems.
•Raymond Tlach in Britt will receive $20,000
•Steve Schuldt Farms, Inc. in Deep River will receive $16,520
•Steve Christiansen in Dunlap will receive $10,060
•Jerry Burkley in Geneva will receive $19,964
•Meyne Farms, Inc. in Greene will receive $14,602
•Donald Swieter in Iowa Falls will receive $12,433
•Mark Smeby in Joice will receive $8,379
•Bruggeman Farms, Inc. in Larchwood will receive $10,714
•Douglas Pruin in Mason City will receive $11,644
•Energy Efficiency Grain Dryer in Ringsted will receive $19,867
•Alan Thomann in Riverside will receive $15,800
•Peter Jahr in St. Ansgar will receive $20,000
•Hanselman’s EE Grain Drying System in West Bend will receive $12,150
According to the USDA, REAP funds are used to promote investments in renewable energy, such as bioenergy, geothermal, hydrogen, solar, wind and hydro power, and energy efficiency projects.
Each year, thousands of local Iowa organizations, colleges and universities, individuals and state agencies apply for competitive grants from the federal government. The funding is then awarded based on each local organization or individual’s ability to meet criteria set by the federal entity.