Readsboro business receives grant
SOUTHERN VERMONT – Three companies in southern Vermont will receive federal grants as part of a new initiative by the US Department of Agriculture, which is investing $633 million to reduce the impacts of climate change on rural communities.
With the enactment of the bipartisan Infrastructure Law and as part of the broader Build Back Better agenda, the Biden-Harris administration has made investing in rural communities, creating good-paying jobs, and combating the climate crisis top priorities.
Department secretary Tom Vilsack announced the initiative in early December, highlighting 791 investments that USDA is making in five programs specifically designed to help people and businesses in rural areas. These programs include the Community Facilities Disaster grants, Electric Loan program, Rural Energy for America program, Rural Energy Savings program, and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive program. The funding will help people in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
In southern Vermont, as part of the Rural Energy for America program, 55 Marlboro Road, in Brattleboro, received $37,222 in grants; Hespos Wind Farm, in Readsboro, received $56,621; and Mettowee Mint, in Dorset, received $47,090.
These investments will help build and improve rural electric infrastructure and connect residents to affordable and dependable power. They will help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. They will also help transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities offer higher ethanol and biodiesel blends to customers by sharing the costs to install fuel pumps, equipment, and infrastructure. For more information visit www.rd.usda.gov.