WATERBURY – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small to the Fifth District to highlight clean energy investments in rural communities, made possible by funding from the USDA and the historic Inflation Reduction Act. During the visit, they toured Aquila’s Nest Vineyards in Sandy Hook – a 41-acre, climate-neutral certified winery – which received a $59,968 USDA Rural Energy for America grant.
With this funding, Aquila’s Nest Vineyards purchased and installed a 35.1-kilowatt ground-mounted photovoltaic solar system, generating enough power to power three homes. Ardian Llomi, owner and operator of Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, led Congresswoman Hayes and Deputy Secretary Torres Small on a tour of the winery. Aquila’s Nest Vineyards opened in 2016 and was honored as Connecticut 2024 Manufacturer of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“Two years ago, I voted to pass the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – the largest investment in climate action in American history – to build a healthier, cleaner future for all. Today, I am delighted to see the direct impact of this legislation in Fifth District,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “Thanks to the IRA, more than $145 million dollars was recently infused into the Rural Energy for America Program to assist farmers and producers like Aquila’s Nest Vineyards for energy efficient improvements. Expanding clean energy adoption like solar power is crucial in combatting the climate crisis and reducing costs for business owners. I appreciate Deputy Secretary Torres Small for her leadership in strengthening economic opportunity for rural communities and supporting clean energy projects across the country.”
“Farmers across the country are finding innovative ways to drive down energy costs, and President Biden is investing in their work through the Rural Energy for America Program, which lowers costs for producers, generates new income, and facilitates access to new and better markets,” said Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. “USDA is proud to work with leaders like Representative Hayes to cut costs for producers and create good-paying jobs in rural communities.”
The REAP program provides grants and loans to rural small businesses and agricultural producers for energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy systems energy audits, and renewable energy planning and development. The program aims to increase American energy independence by:
- Increasing the supply of renewable energy in the private sector
- Decreasing the demand for energy efficiency improvements
- Lowering the cost of energy for small businesses and agricultural producers
REAP was created in the 2008 Farm Bill and has been reauthorized in the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. Through the Inflation Reduction Act, REAP has been provided over $2 billion for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement grants for agricultural producers and rural small business owners through 2031. Between 2018 – 2022, Connecticut has received $5,981,032 in REAP funding.
In addition to Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, FY24 REAP grants awarded in the Fifth District include:
- $1.1 million to the City of Torrington.
- Funding will be used to purchase and operate an animal control shelter for 11 towns in the region. With the completion of the shelter, there will be a safe, humane location to transport and shelter animals. The Northwest Hills Regional Animal Control Facility was funded as part of a Community Project Funding 2022 request secured by Congresswoman Hayes.
- $65,153 to Rebuilding Together Litchfield.
- Funding will help provide rehabilitation, repairs, and modifications to the owner-occupied homes of low and very low-income seniors, veterans and people with disabilities in Litchfield County.
- $59,885 to Seventh Heaven Stables in Newtown.
- Funding will help purchase and install a 31.95kW roof-mounted photovoltaic solar system.
- $43,708 to Sunset Meadow Vineyards in Goshen.
- Funding will help purchase and install a 44.62kW roof-mounted photovoltaic solar system.
To learn more about the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), visit the USDA website.