CANTON, OH – U.S. Congressman John Boccieri (D-Alliance) today announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding more than $140,000 to Bowers Famers, LLC in Wooster and Ashland Solar 01, LLC in Ashland through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

"The cheapest energy is the energy we never use," said Boccieri "These grants allow rural parts of our district to make energy efficient improvements and positions our part of Ohio to become a leader in renewable energies."

Bowers Farms, LLC is receiving $25,942 to replace an old inefficient grain dryer with a new energy efficient model, saving 90,969 kWh annually, a 31% energy savings.

Ashland Solar 01, LLC is receiving $115,329 to install solar panels that will generate an estimated 110,689 kWh annually.

REAP funding is part of the farm bill and is used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies, energy audits and renewable energy development assistance.

Release Date: Thursday, October 28, 2010.