U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Frank Frassetto announced that the USDA is investing $237 million to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses lower energy costs.
The Department is providing 640 awards to applicants in all 50 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Western Pacific.
A couple of area businesses will be affected, including Viking Packaging Technologies Inc in Oostburg, who will receive a $104,571 grant to install a solar array, and Bodart Farms in Pulaski is receiving a $58,474 grant to purchase and install a grain dryer.
Frassetto said, “These investments are good for each business’s bottom line by reducing energy costs and helping create more jobs.”
