Reps. Pingree and Poliquin says Maine rural businesses to get $1.7 million for efficiency, clean energy projects

October 27, 2015

Investments help farms and other small businesses reduce energy costs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 27, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin said today that 14 small businesses in rural Maine will be getting $1.7 million in USDA funding to invest in efficiency and clean energy projects. The grants, through the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), fund projects like solar panels, anaerobic digesters to create electricity from waste, and thermal conversion systems.

“Energy can be one of the biggest expenses for small businesses, and this kind of investment can go a long way toward bringing down those costs over the long term,” Pingree said. “Maine’s rural and agricultural sector is a big part of the state’s economy and grants like these can help preserve and create jobs in our communities.”

“I’m pleased to see the United States Department of Agriculture is making such a strong commitment to Maine’s rural businesses and agricultural producers,” said Poliquin. “This grant will provide our rural businesses and agricultural producers with the resources they need to invest in renewable energy technology that will help lower the cost of energy and allow our businesses to grow – creating more jobs.”

USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Virginia Manuel said, “This significant investment in renewable energy and energy efficient systems for fourteen rural Maine businesses will not only help them greatly reduce operating costs and increase sustainability, but will have an important environmental impact on our state through reducing carbon emissions.”

The full list of grants is below:

Athens Energy, LLC—$56,520, Bangor
Athens Energy, LLC- $500,000, Bangor
Janel Inc. DBA Camp Tapawingo- $29,000, Sweden
Justice Farm, Inc.- $8,565, Gorham
LaBrie Farms, LLC- $49,500, Saint Agatha
Maine Beer Company, LLC- $49,273, Freeport
Gilles M. Michaud- $106,862, Caswell
North Branch, LLC- $5,048, Monroe
Planson International Corporation- $27,222, New Gloucester
Ricker Hill Orchards- $22,261, Turner
Smith’s Farm, LLC- $227,681, Westfield
Sparky’s Apiaries, Inc.- $1,867, Hope
The Wildwood Corporation- $59,301, Bridgton
VGBLADS, LLC – Brunswick, $500,000
William M. Lowe, Inc.-$19,950