USDA awards $90 million in HBIIP grants to 89 biofuel projects in 26 states
On the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act being signed into law, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Aug. 16 that the department is funding 160 projects in 26 states to expand access to clean-energy systems and increase the availability of domestic biofuels.
USDA is providing $99.6 million through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program and the Rural Energy for America Program with funding from the IRA.
To date, USDA has invested more than $600 million from the IRA for more than 4,500 clean-energy projects through REAP, and more than $180 million in over 200 projects that increase availability of domestic biofuels across the country.
“By expanding access to homegrown biofuels and clean-energy systems, we are strengthening our energy independence, addressing the impacts of climate change and creating new market opportunities and revenue streams for American producers while bringing good-paying jobs in rural communities,” Vilsack said.
As part of the Aug. 16 announcement, USDA is providing a total award of $90.3 million in HBIIP grants to 89 projects in 26 states.
These investments will help business owners install and upgrade infrastructure such as fuel pumps, dispensers and storage tanks.
They will also spur economic growth in rural communities by increasing competition in agricultural markets and lowering costs through clean-energy projects.
In Georgia, CSX Transportation Inc. will use a $1.9 million grant to install a 200-gallon biodiesel aboveground storage tank, distribution equipment and electric monitoring tools.
Using this investment, the company aims to increase the amount of available biofuels by 1 million gallons per year.
In Nevada, Anabi Real Estate Development LLC will use a $3.7 million grant to install three E85 dispensers and three B20 dispensers at two fueling stations.
Through this project, the company aims to increase the amount of biofuel it sells by more than 80,000 gallons per year.
USDA continues to accept HBIIP applications until Sept. 30.
For more information, visit the HBIIP webpage.
The Aug. 16 announcement includes investments in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Vilsack made the announcement 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.
This project will install four E15 dispensers, four E85 dispensers, and two ethanol storage tanks at this fueling station.
This project expects to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 506,100 gallons per year.
Also in Minnesota, USDA is awarding $9.2 million in REAP grants to 71 projects across the state.
This program helps farmers and small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements.
To view the complete list of projects awarded grants under the Aug. 16 HBIIP and REAP programs, click here.
