USDA awards more than $1.1 million in Montana to lower energy costs and advance renewable energy

Press release

BOZEMAN — U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development in Montana State Director Kathleen Williams announced Monday awards of more than $1.1 million in grant funding to 12 agricultural producers and rural small businesses across Montana through the Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP, so they can 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,” Williams said. “Rural small businesses and agricultural producers are the backbone of Montana’s economy, and USDA is working hard to lower operating costs so they can sustain and thrive.”

USDA is investing $145 million in 697 renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects in 45 states and one territory. USDA Rural Development in Montana will accept REAP applications quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024.

Since March 31, Montana has received 50 REAP grant awards totaling more than $2.4 million. Recipients for the period ending on Sept. 30, include:

CIP Housing Access Partners LLC in Big Sky received a $622,144 grant to install a 318 kilowatt solar array on six buildings designated as employer-controlled housing for the workforce in a remote part of the state. This project is expected to save the company $38,273 in annual energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 425,258 kilowatt hours, enough electricity to power 39 homes.

Hormized Investments LLC near Bozeman received a $92,429 grant to purchase and install a 75.375-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system for a local motel. The project is expected to save this business $24,840 in annual energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 83,631 kilowatt hours, enough energy to power eight homes.

Darius Investments in Butte received a $94,004 grant to purchase and install a 76.14-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system for a local inn. The project is expected to save this business $29,476 in annual energy costs and reduce power consumption by 100,103 kilowatt hours, enough electricity to power nine homes.

Xerxes Investments LLC in Butte received a $98,995 grant to purchase and install a 50-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system for a local hotel. The project is expected to save this business $28,080 in annual energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 101,059 kilowatt hours, enough energy to power nine homes. 

Mahlstedt Ranch in Circle received an $11,640 grant to purchase and install solar powered pumps. The project is expected to save this multi-generational cattle operation more than $4,100 in annual energy cost and reduce energy consumption by 71,000 kilowatt hours.

Auto-Mutt Dog and Car Wash in Kalispell received a $38,850 grant to purchase and install a 49.68-kilowatt roof-mounted solar system. This project annually is expected to save the business $3,471 in annual energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 57,844 kilowatt hours, enough energy to power two homes.

CL Waltnog LLC in Kalispell received a $24,972 grant to purchase and install a 28.235-kilowatt ground-mounted solar array. This project is expected to save the farm $1,379 in annual energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 19,700 kilowatt hours, enough energy to power one home.

Michael’s Convenience Stores Inc., in Kalispell received a $40,241 grant to purchase and install a 49.68-kilowatt roof-mounted solar array. The project is expected to save the business $3,516 in annual energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 58,600 kilowatt hours, enough energy to power two homes.

Spring Brook Ranch LLC in Kalispell received a $25,272 grant to purchase and install a 26.40-kilowatt ground-mounted solar array for ranch operations. The project is expected to save the ranch $2,530 in annual energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 31,630 kilowatt hours, enough energy to power two homes.

High Ridge Land LLC in Roundup received a $13,410 grant to purchase and install a 4.68-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system on a corral barn. The project is expected to save this small ranching operation $701 in annual energy costs and reduce energy consumption by 6,381 kilowatt hours per year. 

Montana Fabrication Works in Stevensville received a $35,592 grant to replace an air compressor. Montana Fabrications Works LLC is a small, rural steel fabrication company. The project is expected this small, rural steel fabrication company more than $14,000 in annual energy costs and save enough energy to heat seven homes.

Armadillo Off Road Inc. in Victor received a $46,750 grant to purchase and install a rooftop, grid tied, 46.75-kilowatt net metered solar system on its structure. The project is expected to reduce this rural fabrication company’s annual energy consumption by 2,329 kilowatt hours, enough energy to power one home.

Congress created REAP in the 2008 Farm Bill by combining the 2002 Farm Bill’s Energy Efficiency Improvements and Renewable Energy Systems Program with an amended version of another 2002 Farm Bill program for grants for energy audits and assistance in using renewable energy technology and resources.

The program was then reauthorized in the 2014 Farm Bill and again in the 2018 Farm Bill.

In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded the program and added additional funding so more rural businesses and producers can access the program and lower costs.

USDA Rural Development provides grants, loans, and loan guarantees to expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve quality of life for millions rural and Tribal areas through improvements in infrastructure, business development, housing, and community facilities. For more information, people can visit https://www.rd.usda.gov .