U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the department is funding 586 projects to expand access to clean energy systems and increase the availability of domestic biofuels. USDA is providing nearly $180 million through the Rural Energy for America (REAP) and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP).
Among the Arkansas-based funded projects, Day Equipment Company, based in Tillar, will receive $700,400 to build a solar array that will generate enough electricity to power 110 homes. Bearskin Farming Company, based in Scott, will receive $486,170 to replace grain drying and monitoring equipment. Som Solar, based in Dermott, will receive $356,400 to build a solar array.
All told, 21 Arkansas projects were funded by more than $3.4 million…