Courtney announces $117,000 in renewable-energy grants for rural businesses in eastern CT

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today announced that two small agricultural businesses in East Haddam and Preston have secured a combined $117,071 in federal grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Ballek's Garden Center of East Haddam and Preston's T&C Greenhouses secured $71,853 and $45,218, respectively. The funding will be used to purchase and install renewable-energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements.

"These investments will move two small, rural businesses and Connecticut's agricultural sector forward," said Congressman Courtney. "The process of obtaining these grants is a rigorous one, and I applaud Ballek's and T&C for demonstrating that their projects are viable and will add to the region's economy by improving our ability to create jobs in a sector where there is room to grow."

REAP grants are awarded competitively and can be used to leverage other funding sources for a wide range of renewable energy projects at agricultural businesses in rural areas. Ballek's Garden Center will use the funds for solar technology, while T&C Greenhouses will use its grant to make energy-efficiency improvements to its facility.

REAP allows small farms and rural businesses to invest in the development and implementation of renewable energy systems so they can save on the volatile costs of energy each year and add those savings to their bottom line.

Congressman Courtney is a strong advocate for REAP as a member of the House Agriculture Committee.

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