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Rural small businesses/producers receive job creation support

September 29, 2011

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. said that funding has been awarded to seven rural small businesses in Louisiana to implement renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in their operations.
Strain said the funding, through USDA Rural Development received over $547,000 to assist agricultural producers and small businesses in Louisiana with making energy-efficiency improvements and job creation,.
These funding opportunities were provided through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP offers funds for farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements. Small businesses leverage these funds with other funding sources.
Cash’s Louisiana Crawfish, LLC in Port Allen was selected to receive a $48,851 grant for energy efficiency improvements.
Consolidated Energy Holdings, LLC, Desoto Fuel & Lube, LLC and Forest Bio-fuels, LLC located in Central Louisiana received over $335,187 for installations of flexible fuel pumps, production of biodiesel and forest biomass fuel.
In Covington, Techcrane International, LLC received a $70,075 grant for a solar installation which will offset their current electrical consumption.
Winnsboro Rubber Recycling, LLC received a grant for $70,975 for energy efficiency improvements for their existing waste tire recycling operation and Hebert’s of Henderson, Inc. of Breaux Bridge received $42,294 for energy efficiency improvements.
USDA Rural Development provides a full range of rural development credit services in rural Louisiana. 
The USDA Rural Development State Office is located at 3727 Government Street in Alexandria. The office can be reached at 318- 473-7921.  There are four area offices located throughout the state to serve Louisiana residents.  
Further information on USDA Rural Development’s loan and grant programs can be obtained by visiting USDA Rural Development’s web site at:  http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.