While visiting Candia today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres-Small announced NH is recieiving $10,607,909 in funding through a mix of USDA Rural Development programs. She was meeting with U.S. Representative Chris Pappas at the Candia First Stoppe—a USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) customer—to take part in a clean-energy roundtable with stakeholders and other program beneficiaries.
The awards were made through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant program, Rural Business Development Grant program, Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant program and REAP. The funding is expected to create more than 130 new jobs, produce enough energy to power roughly 70 homes, and benefit 25,818 people with new and safer public facilities.
Newport is receiving $7,285,000 to upgrade an outdated and unreliable wastewater treatment facility and create a new 19,000-square-foot community center that will serve as a meeting place, sports and recreation venue, performance space, program and learning area.
The town of Claremont received $50,000 to provide support and technical assistance to local entrepreneurs through a sustainable start-up program to promote their establishment and growth, creating an estimated 15 new jobs. A $100,000 grant will fund the installation a fire safety sprinkler system in the Claremont Opera House, built in 1897.
Through REAP, Canaan Hardware and Supply will benefit from a 33.6 kW, roof- mounted solar array that will generate an estimated 38,000 kilowatt hours (kWh), saving the company roughly $9,800 annually. The Amazing Flower Farm in New Ipswich will save more than $2,400 by installing a small solar array to offset 98% of its historical energy usage. In Lee, the Flag Hill Distillery is using its award to install 110 panels and produce more than 50,000 kWhs of electricity, offsetting roughly 60% of its annual usage.