Courtney announces $275,000 renewable energy grant for Putnam Green Power

WASHINGTON, DC– Congressman Joe Courtney today announced that Putnam Green Power has secured a $275,000 federal grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The funding will be used to generate hydroelectricity by refurbishing two turbines in an existing dam structure. The system will provide 2,523 megawatt hours, which should provide more than 100 percent of the facilities' utility usage.

"The REAP program is making a tremendous positive difference for small business and towns across eastern Connecticut, helping them see real, long-term savings on their energy bills," said Congressman Courtney. "The process of obtaining these grants is rigorous and competitive, and Putnam Green Power deserves a great deal of credit for securing this funding. It is very exciting to see eastern Connecticut reconnect with its hydropower past using modern technology to raise generation to a new higher level. Putnam Power will use this grant to leverage private sector dollars, thus stretching the funding for the benefit of the town."

Grants made through REAP are awarded competitively and can be used to leverage other funding sources for a wide range of renewable energy projects at agricultural businesses producing in rural areas. REAP allows small farms and rural businesses to invest in the development and implementation of renewable energy systems so that they can save on the volatile costs of energy each year and add those savings to their bottom line.

The REAP program, which was funded at $39 million last year, is funded at just $1.3 million in the current, FY2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill, which passed the House earlier this year. Congressman Courtney opposed the bill because of deep cuts to programs like REAP, which are vital to the agricultural sector of eastern Connecticut's economy.