THOMASVILLE- Congressman Sanford Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), announced on Tuesday, October 3, that three South Georgia entities will receive $186,330 through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development.

Vacavia Cottages & Cabins in Thomas County and Wiregrass Woodcrafts in Early County are receiving Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants of $153,250 and $10,080, respectively, to install solar energy systems. The Vacavia project will generate 205,237 kilowatt hours and provide them with $52,019 in savings a year. The Wiregrass Woodcrafts project will generate 9,920 kilowatt hours per year, which will reduce its monthly energy expenses. Early County is receiving $23,000 through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grants Program to update its time clock system with a biometric clock, which will reduce the county’s administrative costs.

“As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have fought to ensure REAP and the Community Facilities program have the funds needed to support our small businesses and local governments,” said Bishop. “REAP continues to be a win-win-win. Small business owners reduce their electric bills, the power generated strengthens local energy grids, and these clean energy projects help fight against climate change’s harmful effects. Community facilities grants help our local governments make the capital investments they need to update and expand their ability to serve and protect Georgians.”

“Vacavia is eager to do its part to incorporate renewable energy into the production of its park model home, modular home, and tiny home products manufactured at its principal manufacturing facility in Ochlocknee, Georgia,” said Matt Williams, President and Operating Partner of Vacavia Cottages & Cabins. “Vacavia Cottages & Cabins makes efficient small form factor homes, and this USDA Rural Development Grant will enable Vacavia to further reduce its greenhouse emissions.”

“The Rural Electrification for America Program, REAP, grant enabled me to install solar panels on the roof of my business. The electricity generated by these panels will power my custom woodworks machinery, increasing efficiency and profitability. In addition, surplus electricity will feed back into the electric grid through Three Notch EMC,” said David Allen, owner of Wiregrass Woodcrafts. “I learned about this grant through Triangle Energy Concepts, Inc. The Tifton office of USDA provided guidance and oversight throughout the entire application process. I recommend this program to any eligible rural businesses.”

“Early County is excited for the USDA support in helping obtain a biometric time clock,” said County Administrator Stephanie Chandler. “The new time clock system has helped reduce the time needed in processing payroll by 2 days and improved the accuracy in time keeping. This system also has a valuable tool that allows our Sheriff’s Deputies and some Road Personnel to clock in on their phones when they are on call.”

The Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program supports projects that develop facilities that provide essential services to the local community in rural areas. Eligible entities can apply year-round. Information about eligibility and how to apply can be found at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that it is investing $266 million across 47 states through REAP. This investment in rural energy upgrades was made possible by the historic Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 – a law that is helping millions of families save costs on energy, electric vehicles, health insurance premiums, and prescription drugs.

REAP allows the federal government to directly work with farmers and local businesses to support projects that make them more energy self-sufficient, which reduces their energy bills and decreases the load on local energy grids.

USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program is currently accepting competitive applications for its December 31, 2023, deadline and will reopen applications quarterly through September 2024: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency-improvement-guaranteed-loans