USDA announces funding for clean energy access in rural Texas communities

TEMPLE, Texas - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today a new funding initiative to expand clean energy access and increase the availability of biofuels in rural Texas communities. Ham Real Estate, a Texas company, is leading efforts to enhance fuel storage and distribution infrastructure in the region.

“Today’s announcement highlights the power of community-driven projects in shaping our energy future, Torres said. Ham Real Estate’s initiative is great for the environment and is a shining example of how our local businesses can lead the way in bringing cleaner, more sustainable energy to rural Texas.”

The funding comes from the USDA’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.

Ham Real Estate Inc. has been awarded a $163,500 grant to develop infrastructure aimed at expanding renewable fuel sales. The company, which operates several fueling stations in Texas, plans to install an E15 fuel dispenser and an ethanol storage tank at its Nederland location. The project is expected to increase ethanol sales by more than 331,000 gallons annually.

HBIIP’s goal is to support transportation fuel station owners and fuel distributors in expanding the availability of ethanol and biodiesel. Increasing access to these renewable fuels strengthens America’s energy security, supports local businesses, and creates new jobs in rural communities.

The HBIIP grants cover up to 75% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $5 million, to help facilities transition to higher-blend fuels, including ethanol blends above 10% and biodiesel blends above 5%. The current application period for HBIIP funding remains open until Sept. 30, 2024.

For additional details, visit the HBIIP website .

​COPYRIGHT 2024 BY CROSSROADS TODAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.