A variety of energy, farm and commercial projects have received Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) loans totaling $5.2 million.
The latest round of loans includes $1 million to help finance a large solar array in Barton. VEDA says the $7.8 million project will be built on 24 acres of land on Rt. 16.
Agriculture-related businesses receiving loans include Mack’s Meats in Grand Isle which plans to purchase the former Champlain Valley Meats slaughterhouse, which has been closed since 2009.
Mack’s Meats will operate the facility as a "full service" slaughterhouse serving small and large scale farms and hobbyists.
VEDA also extended $1.92 million in additional financing to small businesses that have difficulty accessing conventional capital.
Recipients include The Inn at Manchester for expansion of its events and weddings business, IBEX Outdoor Clothing in White River Junction to purchase materials used in its products, E and J Realty and Upper Valley Produce to purchase the former Legare’s Farm Market on the Barre Montpelier Road in Berlin, and Utility Services in Waterbury for services involving vegetation management around power lines.
VEDA loans will also be used to help support other loan programs that help finance small businesses and public projects.
