FORT KENT, Maine (AP) A pair of potato companies in northern Maine is receiving help from the federal government to install solar power systems.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture money is part of more than $24 million coming to the state in the form of grants and loans to build green infrastructure in rural communities in the state. The agency called the effort a chance to combat climate change by boosting rural economies.
Irving Farms of Caribou is receiving more than $150,000 to help install a solar power system that would provide enough energy to power 44 homes. The farms grow, handle and pack potatoes and distribute and market processing potatoes.
Corey Rioux & Sons of Fort Kent is getting more than $30,000 to help install a system that would produce enough energy to power nine homes. The company is a potato grower, shipper and packer.
