MINNESOTA – $15.6 million in federal funding will go to 130 new clean energy projects for rural businesses and farms.
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith’s offices say this will save nearly $18.4 million in energy costs.
The money will go toward installing solar arrays in Hawley, Barnesville, Alexandria, Henning, Rothsay and Menagha. Funding will also go toward buying and installing an energy efficient grain dryer for a farm near Parkers Prairie.
Klobuchar and Smith’s office says Minnesota has seen more than 380 clean energy projects in rural areas because of the Renewable Energy for America Program which both senators supported.
“The clean energy transition is happening; the question is whether we lead or follow. I want us to lead. But as we make the switch to cleaner, cheaper energy, we need to make sure everyone benefits, including small towns and rural communities. That’s one reason why projects funded by the Rural Energy for America Program are so important. These investments will help farmers and business owners save money and improve their bottom lines while reducing harmful carbon emissions,” Smith said.
“Investing in long-term energy is a win-win for rural customers and businesses. With this federal funding, we’re taking a big step toward deploying new energy technologies to power rural communities across Minnesota for decades to come,” Klobuchar said.
