The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced more than $1.6 million in grants for businesses in Michigan to implement clean energy projects, and among the recipients is Vail Rubber Works in St. Joseph. USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins tells us the company will receive $175,000 for a solar energy initiative.
“It’s exactly what you have pictured in your head,” Fewins said. “When you’re driving by, you see a couple of solar arrays up. That’s exactly what they’re doing. A lot of businesses are doing that right now, although [the grants] could do to a variety of things.”
For example, Fewins says one farm in Tuscola County is getting a grant for an energy efficient grain drier. He notes the companies receiving grants are committed.
“It’s a 25% grant. So, the business, they have a lot of their own skin in the game, and I think that’s an important thing to point out. It’s not the federal government just coming in and writing a bank check for this company. The company is investing a serious amount of money of their own dollars.”
Fewins says thanks to the grants announced Thursday, rural businesses across Michigan will soon be sporting solar arrays. The USDA announced $285 million in such grants nationwide Thursday, and he notes another $2 billion in such grants are planned. Also receiving a grant this week was McKenzie Highlands LLC in Cassopolis, which has been awarded $20,000 for a solar project.
