(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is sending more than $14 million in grants to Wisconsin to expand access to clean energy systems and increase biofuel availability.
The largest two grant recipients were $5 million to JT Petroleum for infrastructure to expand the sale and use of renewable fuels including adding 79 E15 fuel dispensers, 23 B20 dispensers, 19 ethanol storage tanks, and 15 biodiesel storage tanks at 19 fueling stations located in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Wisconsin.
RSD Enterprises will receive $3.9 million for similar infrastructure that will go to installing 36 E15 dispensers, 18 B20 dispensers, seven ethanol storage tanks, and seven biodiesel storage tanks at seven fueling stations in Wisconsin and Michigan.
Overall, 42 projects in 27 Wisconsin counties will be receiving grant funds.
“The dozens of awards I’m announcing today will help lower energy costs and provide a historic opportunity for farmers and rural businesses to invest in clean energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements,” said USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa. “Many of these investments are made possible with help from President Biden’s historic Inflation Reduction Act and will create more energy independence, save businesses money on their bottom-line and strengthen economic development in rural communities.”
The federal funding for the grants came from the Inflation Reduction Act. Overall, $120 million in grants for 516 projects in 39 states were awarded.
Rosewood Dairy in Algoma will receive $500,000 for more energy efficient lighting, expected to save 60% of the dairy’s energy use.
GRO Alliance in Cuba City will receive a $438,500 grant for a roof-mounted solar array expected to save the company $45,118 per year by replacing 609,696 kilowatt hours of use.
Many of the grants were awarded to smaller operations for solar arrays or energy efficient grain dryers across the state.