Salt Lake City — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director Michele Weaver today announced that USDA is partnering with rural small businesses to expand access to clean energy and lower energy bills through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). “Economic prosperity is strengthened by investment into communities. Affordable access to clean energy is just one way the Biden-Harris Administration has committed to support rural economic development.” Weaver said. “We are proud to have the opportunity to assist small local businesses grow using long term and sustainable solutions.” Today, USDA is investing $745,342 in grants that will support five clean energy projects in Utah. All of the projects are funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis. The projects also advance President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to grow the nation’s economy from the middle out and the bottom up. Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $8.7 million through REAP in 75 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements in Utah. REAP enables agricultural producers and rural small business owners to expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower energy to make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses and address climate change while lowering energy costs for American families. The awards announced today include: Spitfire Smokehouse BBQ in Moab  will use a $99,997 grant towards purchasing and installing a roof mounted 67.16 kilowatt (kW) solar array. The panels are projected to replace 53 percent of their annual energy use and save this rural small business $6,308 annually. Archway Inn in Moab is awarded a $484,493 grant. The funds will be used to purchase and install a roof-mounted 314.2 (kW) solar array, which is expected to generate enough energy to power 39 homes and save the business $21,666 annually. Thousand Lake Lodge Holdings in Lyman plans to use $59,442 in grant funds toward the purchase and installation of a roof mounted 28.11 kilowatt (kw) solar array. The project was designed to replace 120 percent of their annual average electric use, save $2,797 per year, and allow the small rural business to grow. S & S Livestock LLC in Palmyra , is receiving a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a roof mounted 3.65 kilowatt (kW) solar array for their small ranching operation. Each year the system is expected to produce 4,741 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy and save this business $568.   Days Inn in Torrey is awarded a $81,410 grant. The funds will help to purchase and install a roof mounted 55.845 kilowatt (kw) solar array. The panels will produce enough electricity to power five homes for a year and replace 63 percent of their average energy use, saving $9,503 annually. USDA continues to accept REAP applications and has set aside a portion of the program funds to support underutilized renewable energy technologies, like wind and geothermal power. For additional information, contact Landon Mayer, Landon Mayer, USDA Rural Development’s Energy Coordinator for Utah, at [email protected]. USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. REAP is a part of the President’s Justice40 initiative which sets a goal that 40% of the benefits from certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities. The program supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery Subscriber Page. USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit http://www.usda.gov/ut. The post USDA reduces energy costs for more Utah businesses appeared first on Utah Business.