Watford City  (Sen. Heitkamp’s Office)   – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp Thursday announced three federal grants totaling nearly $50,000 to support the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.

“North Dakota is a leading energy supplier for the entire country with a true all-of-the-above energy strategy,” said Heitkamp. “While we continue to power the nation, homes and businesses in North Dakota look for new ways to improve energy efficiency that saves power, just like these federal fund will do. These federal grants will assist Northern Plains Electric Coop, Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative, and Naastad Brothers Inc. make energy efficiency improvements.”

 

These federal funds are distributed as follows:

  • Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative: $19,531 in federal funds to make upgrades with new LED security lighting leased to members. Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative serves the counties of Stutsman, Logan, LaMoure, Ransom, Richland, McIntosh, Dickey, and Sargent.

 

  • Northern Plains Electric Coop: $20,000 in federal funds to make upgrades with new LED security lighting leased to members. Northern Plains Electric Cooperative serves the counties of Rolette, Towner, Pierce, Benson, Wells, Eddy, Foster, Kidder, and Stutsman.

      Naastad Brothers, Inc.: $10,310 in federal funds to make upgrades with new LED security lighting and a new heating and cooling system at their office in Hatton.

These funds are authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for American Program (REAP). REAP was reauthorized in the 2014 Farm Bill that Heitkamp helped write, negotiate and pass. This programs assists farmers, ranchers, and small businesses in rural communities make energy efficiency upgrades.