CORRECTION: USDA awards $505,000 in energy grants to six Winneshiek County projects

(Note: Our previous news story was based on figures given to us by Congressman Bruce Braley's office.  However, office workers say the original figures were INCORRECT.  They have now supplied updated, corrected figures)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded six grants totaling $505,000 to Winneshiek County small businesses and agricultural producers as part of the Rural Energy for America Program.

The largest grant was for $375,000, given to Oneota Solar, owned by Decorah businessman Larry Grimstad.  The money will be used to Install a solar power system.

Other grants were given to Matthew Nierling ($49,997) to install an energy efficient robotic milking system to reduce energy usage; to Adam Weiss ($36,827) to install an energy efficient grain drying system; to Richard A. Langland, Jr. ($19,882) to install a solar panel system; to Mark Steffens ($12,349 ) to install an energy efficient grain drying system; and to Craig Hanson ($11,075) to install an energy efficient grain drying system.

Eastern Iowa Congressman Bruce Braley announced the grant awards on Tuesday afternoon, saying "These grants allow for innovative energy efficient investments in Iowa's rural economy. The operations receiving these grants now have the opportunity to make improvements that help them save energy, as well as money."