SPRINGVALE — Two U.S. Department of Agriculture officials are in Maine to announce renewable energy grants to 13 businesses.

USDA Rural Development Undersecretary Lisa Mensah and USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel are being joined Thursday by U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree and others for the announcement in Springvale at McDougal Orchards.

All told, 13 grants will go to Maine farms and businesses including a veterinary hospital, a coffee roasting business and a jeweler.

The grants will be used to install renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, and geothermal as well as for energy-efficiency projects.

filed under: