Chichester, N.H. — Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) joined USDA Rural Development officials and local business leaders to highlight new investments in renewable energy and clean water heading to New Hampshire. During the tour, Kuster, a senior Member of the prominent Energy and Commerce Committee, discussed the importance of expanding access to clean energy and developing new infrastructure in rural communities.

“From expanding access to renewable energy technology to strengthening our clean water infrastructure, USDA Rural Development is a critical partner for New Hampshire,” said Rep. Kuster. “It was great to tour Goosebay Sawmill & Lumber and Woody Hollow Cooperative today to see firsthand the impact these federal resources will have on our communities. I am proud to fight for pioneering businesses like these, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have on our state.”

“Today’s tour with Congresswoman Kuster highlights the versatile, creative approach we must take in delivering climate-smart solutions for New Hampshire rural residents,” said Sarah Waring, State Director for USDA Rural Development. “Because of the Biden-Harris Administration's historic Inflation Reduction Act, the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is providing record funding for Granite State small businesses like Goosebay Sawmill & Lumber. The project visits today also show how other USDA programs, like Water & Waste Disposal loans and grants, are playing a central role in reducing the waste and inefficiency of aging infrastructure—and eliminating the environmental pollutants that result. Our mission is clear and New Hampshire communities, homeowners and businesses are feeling its impact: make the lives of rural residents better with clean-energy solutions that make sense.”

“We are thrilled to be receiving a USDA Rural Development grant to help us install two solar arrays at our sawmill,” said Carl Mahlstedt, owner of Goosebay Sawmill & Lumber. “This funding will support our operations and help us save money on energy costs – a win-win. Thank you to Congresswoman Kuster for her support of this project and her commitment to rural businesses like ours.”

"I would like to personally thank everyone who helped us save Woody Hollow Cooperative,” said Joyce Manning, President of the Woody Hollow Cooperative. “USDA Rural Development, CMA Engineers, Contractor John H. Lyman & Sons, and advocates in the state government and the town of Boscawen were all key players in securing these funds. Thanks to their steadfast efforts and support from leaders like Rep. Kuster, we were able to save our community of 30 homes."

These funds were made possible through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and Water and Environmental Programs (WEP) funding. Specifically, Kuster highlighted:

1. $44,601 grant from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for Goosebay Sawmill & Lumber to support purchasing and installing two solar arrays.
2. $800,000 grant and $156,000 loan through the Water and Environmental Programs (WEP) program to replace water infrastructure for the Woody Hollow community.

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