USDA: Over $900k for clean energy projects in Central PA

(WTAJ) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced funding for over 700 clean energy projects, including some in Central Pennsylvania.

Over $900,000 in funding will be heading to eight projects in Bedford, Blair, Somerset and Centre County. The projects are meant to lower energy bills, expand access to domestic biofuels and create jobs and new market opportunities for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers.

Here are the projects in our area, totaling $984,655:

Bedford County

Tri-County Bulk Milk Haulers : $41,371

This Rural Development investment will be used to help Tri-County Bulk Milk Haulers Inc., located in Everett, purchase and install a 37.44-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. This project is expected to save the business approximately $5,900 per year and will replace 36,495 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power three homes.

Everite Door Company : $221,814

This Rural Development investment will be used to help Everite Door Company purchase and replace a biomass boiler system. The new energy-efficient biomass boiler will utilize the waste wood chips to feed the boiler and will provide heat to the business. This project is expected to save the business approximately $41,100 per year and will decrease its energy consumption by 57%.

I&S Farms Inc. : $42,120

This Rural Development investment will be used to help I & S Farms Inc., a farming operation located in New Paris, Pennsylvania, purchase and install a 36-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. This project is expected to generate approximately 37,200 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power three homes.

Blair County

Blue Bell Farm : $16,368

This Rural Development investment will be used to help Blue Barn Farm purchase and install a 10.6-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. This project is expected to save the farm approximately $1,800 per year and will replace 38,760 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power three homes.

Thistle Creek Farm LLC : $91,665

This Rural Development investment will be used to help Thistle Creek Farm LLC purchase and install an 80.6-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. This project is expected to generate 87,594 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power eight homes.

Somerset County

Larry’s Auto Body : $72,877

This Rural Development investment will be used to help Larry’s Auto Body, an auto repair business located in Windber, purchase and install a 61.5-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This project is expected to save the business approximately $8,100 per year and will replace 54,952 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power five homes.

Centre County

University Park Plaza Corporation : $393,090

This Rural Development investment will be used to help University Park Plaza Corporation purchase and install a 398.2-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system for its corporate office. This project is expected to save the business approximately $35,700 per year and will replace 470,911 kilowatt hours (kWh) (84 percent of the company’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power 43 homes.

SVPA Holdings LLC : $105,350

This Rural Development investment will be used to help SVPA Holdings LLC purchase and install an 81.80-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system for its SunPointe Health offices located in State College. This project is expected to save the business approximately $10,300 per year and will replace 86,613 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power eight homes.

“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are committed to expanding access to modern clean energy systems and fueling options that strengthen the nation’s energy independence while creating good-paying jobs and saving people money,” Deputy Secretary Torres Small said. “As we celebrate Earth Day this year, we are excited to partner with hundreds more family farms and small businesses to address the impacts of climate change, grow the economy, and keep rural communities throughout the country strong and resilient.”

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You can read the full list of projects here .

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