Car Dealership Owned by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly’s Family Receives $315,000 Grant for Solar Panels
The Grant and Program
A car dealership owned by family members of U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly of Butler is the recipient of a nearly $315,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to install enough solar panels to power 25 homes. The grant program, funded by President Joe Biden’s inflation reduction act of 2022, was listed in a USDA report of quarterly awards from its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
The Solar Panel System
The grant allows the dealership to install a 261.9-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system, which is projected to save the family-owned business an estimated $27,300 a year. The dealership in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, located in Fayette County, falls within the congressional district of U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-14th Dist.
Legislation and Opposition
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) was authorized by the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. In 2022, Biden’s $740 billion Inflation Reduction Act allocated $1.05 billion to REAP. Kelly, who opposed the bill, stated that it contained wasteful spending and bad policy.
Previous Federal Program Participation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelly’s car dealership received a forgivable loan from the Paycheck Protection Program. The loan helped retain the company’s 200 workers during the shutdowns. Kelly faced criticism for his stance on student loan forgiveness when compared to the forgiveness of the PPP loan.
About the Rural Energy for America Program
The Rural Energy for America Program provides funding for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements for rural small businesses and agricultural producers. It also offers loans for new energy-efficient equipment and systems for agricultural production and processing.
Read More of this Story at www.goerie.com – 2024-04-29 19:43:02
Read More US Economic News
