Finkenauer Announces Nearly $550,000 in USDA Rural Development Grants for Renewable Energy Projects Across Northeast Iowa

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Friday announced 29 USDA Rural Development grants totaling $546,625 for renewable-energy and energy-efficiency investments and improvements throughout Iowa’s First Congressional District.

The grants represent USDA’s contribution to new energy projects totaling more than $4 million. Recipients include farms, solar power operations, locally-owned businesses and community institutions.

"Investments in renewable energy reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help address climate change while spurring economic growth and improving the bottom line for farmers, businesses and Iowa’s community institutions,” Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. “These USDA Rural Development grants are a long-term investment in the health and sustainability of rural small businesses and agricultural producers."

Among the recipients are Luther College in Decorah, which will receive an $89,288 grant as part of a $114,000 project to conduct energy audits for farms and small businesses in Iowa and Minnesota; and the Baldwin Nashville Telephone Company in Jackson County, which will receive $22,500 as part of a $95,515 investment in a 42-kW solar array. Several of the grants will fund newly-created solar power companies generating electricity for dozens of homes in communities across the district.