WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara M (both D-Md.) today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (RD) awarded seven grants totaling $112,562 to help small businesses in rural areas improve their energy efficiency with solar panels. The grants were awarded through the Rural Energy for America grant program, which provides funding for energy audits, renewable energy development assistance and energy efficiency improvements.  

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and the cornerstone of our communities,” Senator Mikulski said. “These grants will help rural family businesses and small businesses in Maryland become more energy efficient. Not only will they save money on energy costs, but they will be able to invest in growing their business, supporting their community and creating jobs.”

“Thanks to this funding, our farmers and rural small businesses can  embrace renewable energy to lower costs and build a more sustainable future,” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.  “Small businesses are at the heart of job creation and our economy here in Maryland, so a win for them is a win for all Marylanders.” 

The following grants were awarded in Maryland to assist farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements. All seven of the grants will help install solar panels.

• The Hendricks McGinnis Farm Partnership in Baltimore County was awarded $15,730;
• Warrener Enterprises, LLC in Baltimore County was awarded $20,000;
• Berrywine Plantations, Inc. in Frederick County was awarded $8,750;
• Tri-State Wind & Solar, LLC in Garrett County was awarded $16,1777;
• Copyquik Printing and Graphics, LLC in Washington County was awarded $20,000;
• Revo Energy, Inc. in Wicomico County was awarded $11,905; and,
• Claire Bear Farm in Worcester County was awarded $20,000.

The USDA Rural Development program is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. The Rural Energy for America Program provides grants for energy audits, renewable energy development assistance, and for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.

For more information on the program, please go to http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/Energy.html.

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