By Katherine Noll, Northampton Community College

Northampton Community College’s Emerging Technology Applications Center (ETAC) has been awarded a $100,000 grant over two years from the U.S.  Department of Agriculture through the Rural Energy for America Program.

ETAC will use the grant funding to help agricultural producers, rural small businesses and manufacturers across Pennsylvania receive energy assessments aimed at reducing their energy costs and carbon footprint over time.

This is the second straight year the college received the grant.  

“For thirty years, ETAC has been partnering with Pennsylvania businesses to help them reduce operating costs while lowering emissions,” said John Barkanic, head of ETAC. “Combined, agriculture and small business represent a vital and significant contribution to a robust Pennsylvania economy. This USDA grant will help us provide farms and rural small businesses the tools they need to transition to a more sustainable and profitable operation.” 

The USDA is investing $99 million in renewable energy infrastructure in 31 states through REAP.

This program helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements, and create jobs.

Projects financed under this program can help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that affects our climate.

The technical assistance is available to eligible participants throughout Pennsylvania.

For more information and a determination of eligibility, contact cyoung@northampton.edu.  

Visit Northampton Community College’s Emerging Technology Applications Center webpage for more information on this and other programs designed to help small businesses and manufacturers.

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[Posted: May 3, 2021]

5/10/2021