Reps. Pingree and Poliquin says Maine rural businesses to get $1.7 million for efficiency, clean energy projects

Statement

Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin said today that 14 small businesses in rural Maine will be getting $1.7 million in USDA funding to invest in efficiency and clean energy projects. The grants, through the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), fund projects like solar panels, anaerobic digesters to create electricity from waste, and thermal conversion systems.

"Energy can be one of the biggest expenses for small businesses, and this kind of investment can go a long way toward bringing down those costs over the long term," Pingree said. "Maine's rural and agricultural sector is a big part of the state's economy and grants like these can help preserve and create jobs in our communities."

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