Projects Will Increase Availability of Biofuels by almost 1.9 Million Gallons Annually
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, Aug. 19, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Indiana Rural Development Acting State Director Curtis Johnson announced that USDA awarded $392,000 in grants to help expand the availability of higher-blend, renewable biofuel in Indiana and Kansas.
The funding will assist in increasing the use of biofuels derived from U.S. agricultural products. Indiana is one of 23 states in which USDA is investing $26 million through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.
“With this program, USDA decreases out-of-pocket costs for businesses so they can install or upgrade fuel dispensers, infrastructure and equipment,” Johnson said. “When we invest in businesses, the savings pass down to consumers which helps stimulate our rural economies so they can build back better and stronger.”
Quadland Corporation, based out of Hubbard, Ohio, will use a $202,000 grant to replace eight dispensers and two storage tanks at a fueling station in Fort Wayne. This project is expected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by almost 804,000 gallons per year.
TA Operating Inc, based out of Westlake, Ohio, will use a $190,000 grant to replace 28 dispensers and two storage tanks at two fueling stations in Gary, Indiana and Salina, Kansas. This project is expected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 1.1 million gallons per year.
Today’s announcement marks the one-year anniversary of the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. To date, USDA has invested $66.4 million for projects that are expected to increase biofuels sales by 1.2 billion gallons annually.
This announcement includes investments in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas and Wisconsin.
Through this program, USDA helps transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities offer higher ethanol and biodiesel blends to customers by sharing the costs to install fuel pumps, equipment and infrastructure. For more information on the program, visit www.rd.usda.gov/hbiip.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, 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.
Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/in or calling 317-290-3100. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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