WILTON — A study on water power undertaken at the Bass-Wilson Properties in downtown Wilton continues with partial help from a federal Rural Energy for America Program grant.
Congressman Mike Michaud announced Monday that seven businesses in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District have received nearly $75,000 under the U.S. Department of Agriculture REAP grants.
Bass-Wilson Properties was awarded $2,375 to continue its study on water power at the large former shoe shop, owner Randy Cousineau said. Michael Wells of Wilton has already completed the first phase of the study and this grant will fund 25 percent of the second phase, he said.
With heating prices high for the four-story building, the owner started looking at alternatives, including restarting a water wheel built more than 100 years ago and using the dam at the foot of Wilson Lake to produce power.
If this is feasible, the plan includes a potential opportunity for people to view the wheel and power process through a glass wall, Wells previously explained to selectmen.
“It’s the right thing to do if we can make it happen,” Cousineau said of the alternate energy source.
Last week, Michaud and several of his House colleagues introduced legislation to reauthorize REAP programs in the 2012 Farm Bill.
“These REAP investments help small businesses across the state make necessary energy efficiency investments that save money in the long run,” Michaud said in a release.
Since 2009, REAP programs have supported 29 projects in Maine with $1.2 million in grants and approximately $1.7 million in loans.
Other businesses in Maine receiving assistance through REAP grants include Haley Construction, Inc., $3,705; Hutchings Greenhouse, Inc., $5,850; Long Meadow Farm, $3,854; IZE, LLC, $19,275; LaJoie Growers, LLC, $6,612; and Inn of Acadia, LLC, $33,250.
abryant@sunjournal.com
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