Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that funding is being provided to producers and development organizations to promote job creation and to implement renewable energy in their operations.
Among the awards is a $299,900 Rural Business Enterprise Grant in Blanding to purchase buildings, which will provide job-training space to train disadvantaged residents and for business development. In all, 69 awards totaling more than $14.7 million were announced to promote economic-development efforts in 39 states.
In addition, $27 million was provided in grants and loan guarantees through the Rural Energy for America Program to help farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems.
In Utah, funds will be used to finance the Feasibility Study for the development of a potential Geothermal Power Plant located near Sulphurdale, and BMB Enterprises received grants and loans to provide hydroelectric power to the Six Mile Creek area in Sanpete County. K Bar Ranch also received a $160,410 grant to construct 18 miles of a power transmission-line extension for an energy efficiency improvement project, which would convert diesel generators to electrical generatorsthree miles south of Green River to the Ruby Ranch area. Salt Lake Tribune
