A local business co-owner said a federal rural renewable energy program is assisting the business in its renewable energy efforts.

Olson Manufacturing Co. co-owner Wayne Soost made the comment Tuesday while hosting members of U.S. Sen. Al Franken’s staff.

Franken’s staff visited to see the effects the Rural Energy for America Program is having on local businesses. Franken was a co-author of the program’s energy section.

A press release states the legislation “is designed to help producers and rural businesses cut energy bills and invest in projects that increase energy efficiency and expand use of renewable energy in our state and across the state.”

Olson Manufacturing installed solar panels in November, and Soost credited the program for being able to implement the panels.

“Without the REAP grant we got for installing the panels, we wouldn’t have been able to do it,” he said, noting the grant has allowed the business to save money while using its 128 solar panels.

“Renewable energy is the way to go,” he said.

The press release stated Minnesota farmers and rural businesses took advantage of more than $2.1 million in REAP grants and loan guarantees from the United States Department of Agriculture for renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects.

“In all, the five-year Farm Bill includes $100 million to bolster projects across the nation, and Minnesota is active in putting these funds to work.”

Franken’s staff were in the Rochester area Tuesday morning and will be in Adrian today and Benson and Richmond Thursday.

Paula Sunde, an ag energy environment field representative for Franken, said the visits show the senator commitment to rural areas and renewable energy.

“We are seeing benefits,” she said.

Franken said the tour serves as a benefit to him.

“For many years I’ve pressed for national energy policies that not only benefit producers and rural businesses in Minnesota, but also help secure the nation’s energy future,” Franken said in the release. “REAP has benefited hundreds of rural Minnesotans who have saved money by investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. As I prepare for the upcoming debate on the new Farm Bill, this tour will allow me to hear from people who have made these investments and understand if there are changes we need to make to the program.”