The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced grant funding to support energy projects in Kansas.   The grants under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) are being awarded to four projects to expand access to a clean and reliable electricity and improve energy efficiency.

The Department is investing $607,815 to support projects in four communities.

• A $500,000 grant to Wichita State University (WSU) will help those from distressed and disadvantaged communities in Kansas and encourage under-used technologies and REAP grant requests below $20,000. WSU will also work on promoting the REAP program across Kansas through targeted outreach activities.
• A $24,760 grant will help purchase and install a walk-in cooler with new refrigeration equipment for Holton Meat Processing of Holton. This project is expected to save 77,671 kWh per year, enough energy to power seven homes.
• A $50,825 grant will help purchase and install a 30 kW solar system for Z&M Twisted Vines Wines and Winery LLC in Leavenworth County. This project is expected to replace 43,234 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power four homes.
• A $32,230 grant will help purchase and install a 22 kW solar system for G.K. Smith and Sons Inc., an HVAC repair and installation company in Paola. This project is expected to replace 30,223 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power two homes.

REAP provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

The WSU grant will enable applicants to provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses applying to REAP pursuing projects under $20,000.