U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Indiana Acting State Director Curtis Johnson today announced that USDA is funding four projects in Indiana to expand access to clean energy systems and increase the availability of domestic biofuels. Today, USDA is providing $9,130,317 through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) with funding from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combatting the climate crisis.
“This is a significant step forward in empowering our Hoosier communities. It reflects our commitment to enhancing energy independence and fostering economic growth through innovative, sustainable practices,” Johnson said. “We believe that by investing in clean energy and homegrown biofuels, we are not only addressing climate impacts but also creating meaningful job opportunities that can transform lives in rural Indiana.”
Clean Energy Projects
As part of today’s announcement, USDA is awarding $130,317 in REAP grants for two projects in LaGrange and Wabash Counties. This program helps farmers and small business owners make energy efficiency improvements and expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy.
For example:
- In LaGrange County, Alvin M. and Elsie Miller LLP will use a $20,000 grant to develop a renewable energy system for their operations. Project funds help to purchase and install a 35.52 kilowatt (kW) solar array. This project will save the business $17,537 annually and replace 444,200 kilowatt hours (kWh) (120 percent) annually, enough electricity to power 34 homes.
- In Wabash County, Schlemmer Brothers Metalworks Inc, will use a $110,317 grant to develop developing renewable energy systems for their operations. Project funds help to purchase and install a 127.4 kilowatt (kW) solar array. This project will save the business $21,308 annually and replace 174,252 kilowatt hours (kWh) (84 percent) annually, enough electricity to power 13 homes.
Domestic Biofuel Projects
Business owners are also receiving nearly $9 million through HBIIP to expand access to domestic biofuels and strengthen America’s energy independence. This program provides grants to fueling station and distribution facility owners—including marine, rail, and home heating oil facilities—to 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.
For example:
- In Indiana, JT Petroleum LLC will use a $5 million grant to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels. JT Petroleum LLC is the owner of more than 10 fueling stations. This project will install 79 E15 dispensers, 23 B20 dispensers, 19 ethanol storage tanks, and 15 biodiesel storage tanks at 19 fueling stations, located in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Station locations impacted by this grant are: Bloomington, Brussels, Grand Chute, Grand Rapids, Marion, Menomonee Falls, Milwaukee, Mitchell, Mt. Vernon, Oshkosh, Pewaukee, Racine (2), Radcliff, Salem, Sheboygan, Sturgeon Bay, Two Rivers, and Waukesha. This project projects to increase the amount of biofuel sold by 6,160,734 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.
- In Indiana, Buckeye Terminals LLC will use a nearly $4 million grant to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels. Buckeye Terminals LLC is a fuel distribution facility company. This project will consist of installing a, loading equipment, converted storage tanks, and blending equipment for biodiesel at two locations in New York and Indiana. Facility locations impacted by this grant are: Albany and Granger. This project projects to increase the amount of biodiesel sold by 123,506,873 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.
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. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery Subscriber Page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. 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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