STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT
USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Increase Ethanol and Biodiesel Sales
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2020 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to increase U.S. ethanol and biodiesel sales.
Subject to the availability of funds, the grants will be established through USDA’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). They may be used to lower the out-of-pocket costs for businesses to install and/or upgrade fuel dispensers, infrastructure (including storage tanks and systems) and related equipment. This notice announces the opening date for a second HBIIP application window for the remaining $22 million in available funds.
The department plans to make available approximately $15 million to fueling stations and fleet facilities and approximately $7 million to fuel distribution facilities. USDA reserves the right to reallocate available funds among applicant types based on the number of applications received, the amount of requested funds and any funds returned by program recipients.
For additional information, see the Federal Register and HBIIP applicant resources.
USDA encourages applications that will support recommendations made in the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB) to help improve life in rural America. Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments. Key strategies include:
• Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America
• Developing the Rural Economy
• Harnessing Technological Innovation
• Supporting a Rural Workforce
• Improving Quality of Life
If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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