The Pajama Factory. SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, secured more than $24 million in federal funds to lower energy costs in Pennsylvania — including $415,000 for the Pajama Factory, $144,000 for a farm in Watsontown, $120,000 for a farm in Roaring Branch, and $48,000 for a motel and $29,000 for a dry-cleaning business, both in Loyalsock Township.
According to a news release, the funding will help farmers and small businesses expand access to clean energy and create jobs in rural communities. The funding comes from the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America (REAP) program, created by the Inflation Reduction Act, which the news release notes Casey supported.
“Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, we are delivering game-changing investments to the Commonwealth that will lower costs for farmers and small businesses, create good paying jobs, and protect our environment for generations to come,” Casey said, according to the news release. “I will always fight for investments that support our Commonwealth’s farmers and small businesses and bring down energy cost for Pennsylvanians.”
This Rural Development investment will be used to help The Pajama Factory LLC purchase and install a 325.92-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system, the news release said. The project is expected to save the business approximately $12,700 per year and will generate 261,028 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power 24 homes.
The funding provided to Jeremy Erb’s farm in Watsontown and the Motel 6 and Faxon Cleaners — both in Loyalsock Township — will also be earmarked for a solar photovoltaic system, while Remley Hog and Beef LLC in Roaring Branch will use the funding for an energy-efficient grain dryer that the news releases says will save the enterprise about $6,300 a year on energy bills.
Other businesses in Pennsylvania to receive funding include Philip Courter’s dairy farm near Mill Hall, which will get about $327,000 to be used for solar photovoltaic systems.