TEMPLE, Tx., Aug. 16, 2024 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director Daniel Torres announced funding to expand access to clean energy systems and increase the availability of domestic biofuels for rural Texas communities. At the forefront of this initiative to store and pump cleaner fuel is Ham Real Estate in Texas.
“Today’s announcement highlights the power of community-driven projects in shaping our energy future, Torres said. Ham Real Estate’s initiative is great for the environment and is a shining example of how our local businesses can lead the way in bringing cleaner, more sustainable energy to rural Texas.”
USDA is providing funding to Ham Real Estate through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) which supports the availability of homegrown biofuels. Today’s funding is a part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combatting the climate crisis.
In Texas:
- Ham Real Estate Inc. will use a $163,500 grant to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels. Ham Real Estate Inc. is the owner of fueling stations in Texas. This project will install one E15 dispenser and one ethanol storage tank at their fueling station, located in Nederland, Texas. This project projects to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 331,616 gallons per year. The purpose of this funding program is to assist owners of transportation fueling and fuel distribution facilities in activities designed to expand the sales and use of ethanol and biodiesel.
Expanding the availability of homegrown biofuels strengthens energy independence, creates new revenue for American businesses and brings good-paying jobs to rural communities.
- HBIIP grants cover up to 75% or $5 million of total project costs to help facilities convert to higher-blend fuels. The fuels must be greater than 10% for ethanol and greater than 5% for biodiesel.
- The current HBIIP application window closes Sept. 30, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. ET. Learn more on the HBIIP webpage.
Today’s announcement is part of a national announcement by Secretary Vilsack during his visit to Minnesota, which included an Investing in the American Bioeconomy discussion at the University of Minnesota and a visit to The Corner Store in Inver Grove Heights, which is receiving a $518,250 HBIIP grant to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. 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. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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