U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Dr. Tom Carew today announced the department is investing over $300,000 to help expand sales and use of renewable fuels in rural Kentucky.
“The Biden-Harris administration is committed to expanding clean energy and fueling options because both help strengthen our nation’s energy independence,” said Carew. “Celebrating Earth Day with a project that will help the environment while saving people money is exciting, and it’s just the latest demonstration of the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to helping the economy from the middle out and the bottom up.”
Owensboro Grain Holding Company Inc. will use a $305,500 Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program grant to install loading equipment and chilling equipment at one location in Owensboro, Kentucky. This project expects to increase the amount of biodiesel sold by 200,000 gallons per year.
The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program provides grants to fueling station and distribution facility owners, including marine, rail, and home heating oil facilities, to help expand access to domestic biofuels, a clean and affordable source of energy. These investments help business owners install and upgrade infrastructure such as fuel pumps, dispensers and storage tanks.
During the Biden-Harris administration, USDA Rural Development has supported economic prosperity and quality of life improvements in rural Kentucky by obligating over $3.1 billion. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ky.