Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Drones, solar projects planned in area
OTHELLO — A local orchard has received a grant to replace two windmills with a drone.
Baird Orchards, 10664 Road E S.E., is among 18 projects to receive a total of about $2.3 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America Program grants for upgrading energy production.
According to the ¬USDA, Baird Orchards will receive $90,981 to fund the replacement of two propane-powered wind machines with drones.
Two Harrington-area farms — Rolinco Farm and Oestreich Farms JV — will also receive grants.
At Baird Orchards, the 4X4 drones will be battery and diesel powered, and replace 15,107 kW of power, grant officials said. The conversion is expected to save the local business an estimated $1,983.
The drone is also expected to cut energy use by 81% from the propane-powered windmill, officials said, noting that’s enough electricity to power a home.
“These grants represent a significant investment in rural communities across Washington state,” the USDA’s Price Johnson said. “These projects create jobs, help small businesses reduce overhead costs, and build energy resilience. This is good for their bottom line, the planet and for the rural people we serve.”
Harrington projects
Projects receiving funds are located in 13 counties, including nearby Lincoln County, where Rolinco Farm (also known as GMC Joint Ventures) and Oestreich Farms JV are USDA grant beneficiaries.
Rolinco Farm, located outside Harrington at 35099 Rolinco Road East, will receive $40,000 to purchase and install a solar array capable of generating 22.4 kWs.
The solar project is expected to save $1,998 annually as well as 28,548 kWhs, or enough engery to power 2.66 homes, USDA grant officials said.
Oestreich Farms JV, 33516 E. Bailey Road, will receive a $37,500 grant for a solar array project.
At Oestreich Farms, the grant funds the purchase and installation of a 25.9 KW solar array which will save the farm owner an approximate $1,260 annually.
The project replaces 18.532 kWh, enough to power two homes.
The USDA will continue to accept applications for rural energy grants through Sept. 30.
Roger Harnack is owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. An award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher who grew up in Eastern Washington, he's one of only two Washington state journalists ever to receive the international Golden Quill for editorial/commentary writing. Roger is committed to preserving local media, and along with it, a local voice for Eastern Washington.
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