(KNZA)--USDA Rural Development is investing nearly $480,000 in critical infrastructure to combat climate change and expand access to clean energy for people across rural Kansas.

The funding is through the Rural Energy for America Program, which helps farmers and rural businesses and entrepreneurs purchase and install renewable energy systems and make improvements to energy efficiency.

Grants have been awarded for 11 renewable energy projects in Kansas—including a local project.

A nearly $67,000 grant will help rural Sabetha dairy operator Anita Rokey purchase and install a 129-kilowatt ground mounted solar array. According to a news release, the project will save an estimated 194,147 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, enough energy to power nineteen homes. Rokey currently has three full-time employees and six part-time employees.