USDA Rural Development Invests in Domestic Biofuels in Three Kansas Communities

TOPEKA, Kan., Aug. 16, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Christy Davis announced today that USDA is funding three projects to increase the availability of domestic biofuels that will create new market opportunities and jobs for Kansas farmers. The investments will total $902,500 and will build biofuel infrastructure in Manhattan, Lenexa and Sedgwick.

“The USDA is working to lower costs for rural Kansans and expand clean energy,” Director Davis said. “By expanding access to homegrown biofuels, we strengthen our energy independence and create new market opportunities for farmers.”

Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement that includes 25 other states. The details of the three Kansas projects are:

• A $454,500 grant will help create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels through Dara’s LLC’s fueling stations. This project will install three E15 dispensers, three E85 dispensers, and two ethanol storage tanks at a fueling station in Manhattan. This project projects to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 606,462 gallons per year.

• A $302,500 grant will help create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels through Berger Property Collection LLC’s fueling stations. This project will install ten E15 dispensers, ten E85 dispensers, and eleven B20 dispensers at a fueling station in Lenexa. This project projects to increase the amount of biofuel sold by 1,944,960 gallons per year.

• A $145,500 grant will help create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels through Basgall Investments LLC’s fueling stations. This project will install four E15 dispensers at a fueling station in Sedgwick. This project projects to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 374,400 gallons per year.

Background

Rural Development is funding the three projects through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). HBIIP provides grants to fueling station and distribution facility owners to help expand access to domestic biofuels as a clean and affordable energy source. USDA continues to accept HBIIP applications until Sept. 30, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. CT.

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.