U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins announced $73,634 in grants to northern Michigan agriculture producers and rural businesses to make investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

“These projects will help make northern Michigan small business more resilient and strengthen the local economy,” Fewins said in a statement. “Now is a great time to contact USDA Rural Development and see how we can help with energy improvements.” 
 
The grants are made available through the Rural Energy for America Program, and there are three recipients in Grand Traverse County and one in Leelanau County.
 
All Animal House Call Practice PC will use a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a 12.5 kilowatt (kW) ground-mount solar system. This project will realize $1,977 per year in savings and will replace 15,831 kilowatt hours (kWh) (100.77 percent) per year. Project payback is 25 years.
 
Agrivine, Inc. will use a $14,436 investment to purchase and install a 6.4 kW roof-mount solar photovoltaic system. This project will realize $1,233 per year in savings and will replace 7,827 kWh (104.43 percent) per year. Project payback is 24 years.
 
Brick Wheels will use a $19,390 investment to purchase and install LED lighting upgrades. This project will realize $3,510 per year in savings and will replace 22,094 kWh (54.52 percent) per year. Project payback is 12 years.
 
Inhabitect LLC, in Leelanau County, will use a $19,808 investment to purchase and install a 13.3 kW roof-mount solar photovoltaic system. This project will realize $1,343 per year in savings and will replace 10,805 kWh (65.32 percent) per year. Project payback is 30 years.
 
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, click here.