U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ohio State recently announced 12 new renewable energy and energy efficiency programs for Ohio, including one for a Mahoning County business.

In New Middletown, Village Pharmacy will use a $20,000 grant to install a 34.5-kilowatt roof-mounted solar panels on the roof of Springfield Township Fire Station #21 on Middletown Rd.

Once operational, the solar panels are expected to reduce electric costs to the department by about $3,479 per year and will replace nearly 36 percent of the energy used per year, which is enough to power four U.S. households annually. The power generated will be sold to the Springfield Fire Department through a power purchase agreement, which will set a fixed price per kWh for power generated.

USDA is investing $869,215 in critical infrastructure to expand access to clean energy for people across rural Ohio.

USDA is making 12 investments in Ohio through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program helps farmers, ag producers, and entrepreneurs purchase and install renewable energy systems and improve energy efficiency.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact their local USDA Rural Development State Energy Coordinator before the March 31 application deadline to discuss projects or ask questions about the REAP program or the application process.