USDA Selects Windustry to Form Landowner Wind Energy Association Resource Center

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Washington, Sept. 24, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that 58 recipients have been selected to receive $8 million in grants to spur economic development in rural communities in 41 states, the Territory of Puerto Rico and the Western Pacific. Minnesota-based Windustry has been selected to receive a $200,000 grant to form the Landowner Wind Energy Association Resource Center. The Center will provide technical assistance to rural small businesses to analyze, organize, develop and expand rural wind energy projects. Windustry will work with businesses seeking to construct wind projects in Montana, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Tom Vilsack, secretary of agriculture
Tom Vilsack, secretary of agriculture

“Rural businesses are the lifeblood of rural communities and their financial health is vital as we work to create jobs and expand entrepreneurship throughout the country,” Vilsack said. “The funding we are announcing today will help lay the foundation for economic growth in many communities, consistent with the Obama Administration's vision of rebuilding and revitalizing rural America.”

The funds are being provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program, which finances development of small and emerging rural business. The grants may be used for project planning, land acquisition and development, transportation and infrastructure improvements; renovation or construction, equipment purchases, establishment of working capital or revolving loan funds, adult job training and technical assistance.

USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant announcement

Windusty's Introduction to Landowner Wind Energy Associations (LWEA)