Grants awarded to area farms

WASHTUCNA — Three farms in Adams County have received Rural Energy for America Program grants to be used to upgrade business operations through energy projects.

The farms are located in the Washtucna, Warden and Othello areas.

Baumann, Baumann and Baumann, a wheat farm at 510 S. Bauer Road near Washtucna, will receive $68,868 to purchase and install spray foam insulation, grant officials said. In addition, the grant will cover installation of an automated shop door and heat pumps.

“The project will result in about $600 per year in savings and approximately 5,300 kWh per year, which is enough to power a home,” the grant award notice said.

The project is expected to cut the farms energy use by about 29% annually, according to grant documents.

On the west end of the county, the Ironworks Cafe and Market, at 335 S. Broadway Ave. in Othello, will receive a $30,566 grant, officials said. The funds will pay for a new energy efficient refrigerator and freezer.

The store is expected to cut its energy costs by 41%, for an annual savings of $3,382 annually, officials said. The improvements will reduce energy usage by 17,758 kWh annually.

Nearby, Bradley Keith Boersma, who operates Boersma Farm in Adams County at 11655 S. State Highway 17 near Warden, will receive a $240,378 grant.

Boersma will use the funds to purchase and install a 2,005.44 kW solar array to power his farm and then some.

Officials said the project will save $18,815.93 annually in energy costs while creating enough electricity to power 27 homes.

“These investments not only lower utility costs but also reduce carbon emissions, creating a win-win for both the environment and the business,” the grant award notification said.