Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
St. Paul, Minn. (AP)

Minn. farms get federal money for energy upgrades

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

The federal government is awarding nearly $5 million to help 162 Minnesota farmers and small businesses make energy efficiency improvements.

The money comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Energy for America Program, which seeks to reduce energy costs and develop new sources of renewable energy. It includes more than $3.9 million in grants and over $900,000 in loan guarantees.

Nationally, USDA announced more than $30 million in loans and grants to 517 recipients Tuesday.

Most of the 162 grants going to Minnesota will help farmers replace or upgrade their grain dryer systems. USDA Rural Development State Director Colleen Landkamer says the newer units will improve energy efficiency by 30 percent in many cases.

---

Online: More information on the REAP program

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)