Kentucky awards more than $750,000 for Ag Development FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB), chaired by Gov. Steve Beshear, approved $755,037 in 17 agricultural diversification projects across the Commonwealth during its January board meeting held at the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
Padgett Farms LLC was approved for $15,000 in Washington County Agricultural Development Funds to install an 8-inch water main at its greenhouse operation in Washington County. This project will allow for an extended growing seasons and expansion of the farm business, which is projected to provide 57 full- and part-time jobs. The County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) is designed to provide farmers with incentives to allow them to improve and diversify their production practices. CAIP covers a wide variety of agricultural enterprises in its 11 investment areas. Three CAIPs were approved by the board, totaling $380,000 for Breckinridge, Bullitt and Jefferson counties. An additional $333,587 was approved to supplement existing CAIPs in the following counties: Adair, Allen, Hart, Henderson, Lewis, Lincoln, Lyon, Scott and Warren. The Deceased Farm Animal Removal Program serves as a measure to facilitate the coordination of environmentally sound and cost-effective disposal of deceased livestock for Kentucky producers. Three were approved, totaling $17,500 for Garrard, Lincoln and Montgomery counties.
The Shared-use Equipment Program is designed to benefit a high number of producers who cannot justify ownership expenses associated with certain equipment, by helping them access technology necessary to improve their operations in an economical manner. One was approved in the amount of $8,950 for Harrison County.
91-turbine wind farm approved for Ohio COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The state board that certifies construction plans for new energy facilities has approved an agreement that authorizes a 91-turbine wind farm in north-central Ohio.
The agreement approved Jan. 23 by the Ohio Power Siting Board allows Black Fork Wind Energy to construct the farm on 14,800 acres along the Crawford and Richland counties’ line. The board says the company plans to begin construction in March and be operating by December.
Officials said the farm will be capable of generating 200 megawatts of electricity, enough to power tens of thousands of homes. The project is expected to create between 70-95 construction jobs and 10 permanent positions.
It’s the ninth wind farm certified by the board. Combined, the farms total 662 turbines and can generate 1,251 megawatts of electricity. |
