Renewable Energy Funding Heads to Rural Companies in Central and Eastern Washington
Washington, D.C. – Get ready to break out the champagne! A game-changing investment of nearly $6 million is on the horizon to empower rural business champions in the heart of Washington state. This funding is set to turbocharge the adoption of renewable energy systems, including state-of-the-art solar arrays and energy-efficient HVAC systems.
This financial windfall, amounting to $5,996,625 to be precise, targets not just farmers and agricultural producers but also the unsung heroes—rural small businesses. Hailing from the visionary Inflation Reduction Act, this capital injection will be managed through the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program. The joyful news broke via an enthusiastic press release from none other than Senator Patty Murray (D-WA).
“I’m beyond thrilled to see this federal funding finally hit the road. These grants are going to be a game-changer for our Washington state farmers, growers, and the whole rural business community,” said an ecstatic Senator Murray.
Meet the Trailblazers Bagging the Funding:
Solar Pioneers:
- Pautzke Bait Company, Ellensburg, WA: Snagging $87,760 to catapult them into the solar revolution by installing a 100-kWh solar array.
- Borton and Sons Fruit Zillah Plant, Rural Yakima County, WA: Securing $393,408 for a dazzling 599 kW solar array.
- Country Morning Farms, Warden, WA: A neat $249,000 will fund a 300-kWh solar array, brightening their operations in Grant County, Washington.
- Figgins Properties, Rural Walla Walla, WA: They’re pocketing $77,704 for a 60.345 kW solar array, a sunny addition to their property.
- Moxee Dairy, Rural Yakima, WA: Grabbing $249,000 to install a photovoltaic 300 kW solar array, a game-changer for their operations.
Beyond Solar:
- Byron Automation, Naches, WA: Awarded $79,068 to modernize their HVAC systems for a fresher, cleaner, and more efficient working environment.
- Leo Gasseling and Sons, Rural Yakima County, WA: A whopping $500,000 to transform hop-drying kilns, saying goodbye to diesel and hello to efficient propane kilns.
- Portco Corporation, Rural Yakima and Cowlitz Counties: Fetching $259,748 to introduce renewable energy systems that will completely revolutionize their operations.
- Pullman Disposal Service, Rural Whitman County, WA: They’re nabbing $92,840 to install a 107 kWh solar array, lighting up their future.
- Royal Dairy, Rural Grant County, WA: $415,000 will fuel the purchase and installation of a 540 kWh solar array.
- Walla Walla Foundry Inc., Rural Walla Walla County, WA: Walking away with $129,829 for a 199.8 kW solar array.
“This program is an absolute win-win. We’re not just building clean, solar energy. We’re also slashing energy costs and putting hard-earned money back into the pockets of the local heroes who fuel our rural communities,” Senator Murray concluded.
So, there you have it—a ground-breaking financial boost that promises to turn the page on renewable energy in rural Washington. The future is, without a doubt, looking bright!
