Briefs: Waldo company gets federal grant for solar panels

Sen. Brown announces $245,000 for rural development across Ohio

WASHINGTON – Sen. Sherrod Brown announced Tuesday the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development office has awarded 13 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grants, and one Community Facility Disaster Grant totaling $245,000 to communities across Ohio.

Among the recipients of the REAP grants is J&A Deprey Construction LLC, which plans to install a 21.1-kilowatt roof-mounted solar array in Waldo that is expected to offset 80 percent of their electrical consumption. J&A Deprey Construction is a small family and veteran owned business in Marion County. This project will produce 30,831 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, the amount typically used by three U.S. homes, and reduces the business expenses $4,316, savings they can invest back into their operations.

The USDA Rural Development office provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.

Help with water and sewer expenses available through September

The Ohio Department of Development and Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission will help income-eligible Ohioans with water and wastewater assistance. The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying water and wastewater bills. The program runs through Sept. 30.

To be eligible clients need to be at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

To apply, contact Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission at 740-387-1039. Ohio Heartland CAC serves all Crawford, Marion and Morrow counties.

For details, contact Ohio Heartland Community Action, call your local Energy Assistance provider at 800-282-0880 (hearing impaired clients may dial 711 for assistance) or visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Marion Public Health closed Monday

Marion Public Health at 181 S. Main St. will be closed for the Labor Holiday on Monday. The closing will affect all divisions of Marion Public Health including the administration, vital statistics, environmental health, nursing, emergency preparedness and WIC divisions.

Additional information about Marion Public Health can be found at marionpublichealth.org.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Waldo company awarded Rural Energy for American Program grant