PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide funds to eight projects in rural South Dakota that focus in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The agency says the funding includes loan guarantees and grants for solar energy projects to create jobs and advance the use of renewable fuels. The projects are located in Brown, Clark, Codington, Deuel, Kingsbury and Marshall counties. Nationwide, the department is investing $68 million in more than 500 similar projects. The agency says eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses may use the funds to make energy-efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems including solar, wind, small hydroelectric, ocean energy, hydrogen and geothermal.Read more on NewsOK.com