USDA Awards More than $1.3 Million in Grants to Lower Energy Costs and Advance Renewable Energy in Montana

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in Montana State Director Kathleen Williams has announced awards of more than $1.3 million in grant funding to 35 agricultural producers and rural small businesses across Montana through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) so they could invest in renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements.

“These projects are part of one of the largest investments in history to foster a wider use of renewable energy. They benefit Montana’s agricultural producers and rural small businesses by lowering their energy costs, and all of us as we address climate change,” said Williams. “Rural small businesses and agricultural producers are the backbone of Montana’s economy, and USDA is working hard to keep operating costs low so they can sustain and thrive.”

This funding was made possible because of the 2021 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which is designed to help families and businesses save money on utility bills and expand rural opportunities in the clean energy economy.

Local recipients were:

Jeffery Dean Sather, dba Sather Ranch, in Glasgow, received a $12,312 grant to add spray foam insulation in one of the buildings on his property to increase energy efficiency. The project is expected to save this rural, family-owned farming operation more than $3,500 per year in energy costs.

Matthew Poole of Glasgow, received a $31,400 grant to purchase and install insulation in the roof of the building where his commercial rental business is located. The project is expected to save this rural small business more than $1,600 per year and lower energy use by more than 22,000 kilowatt hours (kWh).

Pankratz Properties received $30,895 to install exterior doors, energy efficient windows and HVAC units in a small 13-room rural motel operated by Pankratz Properties in Glasgow. These improvements annual are expected to save more than $4,700 in energy costs.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural and Tribal areas by supporting improvements in infrastructure, business development, housing, and community facilities in rural, tribal, and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov.