Pingree Announces $7.4M in USDA Funding for Renewable Energy Infrastructure Projects in Maine's 1st District

Press Release

PORTLAND, MAINE -- Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $7,451,060 to help seven businesses in Maine's 1st District build or improve their renewable energy infrastructure and lower their energy costs.

"This major investment from USDA will offer small businesses and food producers in my district a huge opportunity to fight climate change at the local level and reduce their operating costs at the same time," said Congresswoman Pingree. "As a member of both the House Agriculture and House Appropriations Committees, I've long advocated for federal funding to help agricultural producers and small businesses transition to clean, renewable energy and I am eager to see this money come back to my district."

This funding is part of a $464 million investment announced today by USDA to fund renewable energy projects in 48 States and Puerto Rico.

USDA is financing $129 million of these investments through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program provides funding to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. These climate-smart investments will conserve and generate more than 379 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) in rural America, which equates to enough electricity to power 35,677 homes per year.

USDA is financing $335 million of these investments through the Electric Loan Program. The loans will help build or improve 1,432 miles of line to strengthen reliability in rural areas. The loans include $102 million for investments in smart grid technology, which uses digital communications to detect and react to local changes in electricity usage.

Details of the grants and loans awarded in Maine's first district are as follows:

Augusta Road Bowdoin Solar LLC - $7,385,000

This Rural Development investment will be used to provide permanent financing to build a 5.415 MWdc ground-mounted solar project located in rural Bowdoin, Maine. The project has interconnection and net energy billing agreements in place with Central Maine Power Company and is expected to produce 6,787,000 kilowatt hours of electricity in the first full year of operation.

Wohelo Incorporated - $9,967

This Rural Development investment will be used to help Wohelo, Incorporated. dba Wohelo Camps, a set of girls' residential camps in Raymond, Maine, install a solar photovoltaic system. This project will save $2,467 per year and generate 16,790 kilowatt hours.

Wilbur's of Maine Chocolate Confection - $20,000

This Rural Development investment will be used to help Wilbur's of Maine Chocolate Confections, a chocolate and candy store in Freeport, Maine, install a new solar photovoltaic system. This project is expected to save $4,551 per year. It will generate 37,050 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough to power three homes.

Dooryard Farm LLC - $14,400

This Rural Development investment will be used to help Dooryard Farm, LLC install a new solar photovoltaic system. This is a certified organic farm that grows vegetables and pasture-raised animals which they sell in and around Camden, Maine. This project is expected to save $1,603 per year. It will generate 28,718 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough to power two homes

Sheepscot Valley Brewing Company LLC - $6,231

This Rural Development investment will be used to help Sheepscot Valley Brewing Company LLC, a micro-brewery and tasting room that has been in business in Whitefield, Maine, install a new solar photovoltaic system. This project is expected to save $2,200 per year. It will replace 16,542 kilowatt hours (100 percent of the company's energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power one home.

Morning Dew Farm LLC - $12,265

This Rural Development investment will be used to help Morning Dew Farm LLC, a grower of organic vegetables and seedlings in Damariscotta, Maine, install a new solar photovoltaic system. This project is expected to save $3,100 per year and generate 28,626 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power two homes.

Poor Richard's Incorporated - $3,197

This Rural Development investment will be used to help Poor Richard's Incorporated, dba Ferment Farm install a solar photovoltaic system. This farm specializes in heritage produce used to produce premium micro-batch foods including ice cream, fermented foods, and cider in Springvale, Maine. This project is expected to save $1,018 per year and generate 7,100 kilowatt hours per year.

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