WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 2, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded Minnesota $8 million in federal funding under the Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) to expand biofuel infrastructure. Minnesota is one of 21 states to receive federal funding to expand biofuel infrastructure and increase the number of biofuels pumps at fueling stations.
The investment will boost local economies across Minnesota and the country, give drivers more choices at the pump and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The federal funds will be matched more than 100 percent by state and private funds, with the total joint partnership investing $210 million across the country to strengthen the rural economy.
The funds received through the BIP will help install nearly 5,000 pumps offering higher blends of ethanol nationwide.
“We should be doing everything that we can to support the expansion of renewable fuels and today’s investment for Minnesota is a great step forward for Minnesota farmers,” said U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota. “This increased funding for biofuel infrastructure projects will boost local economies across our state and drive innovation in clean energy, all while reducing our dependence on foreign oil.”
“Minnesota-made biofuels create jobs, strengthen our economy, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” said U.S. Sen. Al Franken, a member of the Senate Energy Committee. “I’m pleased that Minnesota farmers, biofuel producers and marketers, and consumers will benefit from the increased support that our state is receiving for biofuel infrastructure. These investments will help Minnesotans continue to lead in the development and advancement of clean biofuel technology.”
“Minnesota’s corn farmers are proud of their role in bringing cleaner-burning and more affordable fuel choices at the pump to Minnesota drivers,” said Noah Hultgren, a family farmer in Raymond, and president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. “As corn farmers wrap up another successful harvest, we welcome the news that Minnesota will be receiving this funding. I also want to thank Sen. Klobuchar and Sen. Franken for their support. Their work in Washington, combined with the work of corn farmers here at home, has helped Minnesota become a national leader in homegrown biofuels.”
