WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Wichita State University will receive $500,000 to help distressed or disadvantaged communities across Kansas.
The funds for WSU will be used to provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to apply for grants for projects under $20,000 through the Rural Energy for America Program, which is managed by the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Office. The grants can be used to purchase renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements, or purchase new energy-efficient equipment.
Wichita State will also help promote REAP throughout the state. It was one of four projects announced Wednesday.
“Rural Development is investing in rural Kansas to help expand power generation and improve efficiency,” says Rural Development Director for Kansas Christy Davis. “These projects will ensure rural Kansans have access to reliable, affordable energy no matter where they live.”
The other announced projects are:
- A $24,760 grant will help purchase and install a walk-in cooler with new refrigeration equipment for Holton Meat Processing of Holton. This project will save 77,671 kWh annually, enough energy to power seven homes.
- A $50,825 grant will help Z&M Twisted Vines Wines and Winery LLC in Leavenworth County purchase and install a 30 kW solar system. This project is expected to replace 43,234 kWh of electricity per year, enough to power four homes.
- A $32,230 grant will help purchase and install a 22 kW solar system for G.K. Smith and Sons Inc., an HVAC repair and installation company in Paola. This project is expected to replace 30,223 kWh of electricity annually, enough energy to power two homes.
To learn more about the REAP program, click here.
