Loebsack Announces $17,500 for Rural Development Project in Cedar

Congressman Dave Loebsack

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a $17,500 grant to VM Pork. The funding comes from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP provides grants and loan guarantees to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

“Fostering the growth of energy efficiency measures is imperative to boost the rural economy and helps small, rural businesses save on their utility bills and overhead costs,” said Loebsack. “Implementing better ways to reduce energy consumption must be a top priority, and I am pleased that VM Pork has been given this opportunity.”

Details of the grant are below.

LM Pork, Inc. – $17,500

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 39 kW solar array. VM Pork, Inc., a swine finishing operation, will realize $7,706 per year in savings, and will replace 55,146 kWh (88%) per year.