CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Seven Massachusetts businesses received federal funding on Tuesday for renewable energy access. This comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and it's meant to expand the energy capabilities of rural communities. Over $1 million will be used to help these businesses increase their solar energy production. The money comes from the REAP and H-BIIP programs that are funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. Scott Soares, the state director for the USDA, told 22News that helping businesses and farms is only part of their mission. "These are only two of a suite of 70 programs seven zero programs that we administer not only for energy in small businesses and farms in this case, but also for communities for community infrastructure work for housing projects," said Soares. Businesses in Rhode Island and Connecticut were also a part of the over $3 million fund. Soares also said that more funding like this is expected in the future. There are over 7,000 farms in Massachusetts that generate over $600 million each year. Local News Headlines State Senate and auditor still at odds Freezing temps keep ice on rivers and ponds in MA Mass. businesses get federal funds for solar energy Food insecurity impacts nearly 100K in western Massachusetts WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.