WASHINGTON – On Earth Day, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship. USDA is making the investments under the Water and Environmental Program, the Rural Energy for America Program, the Electric Loan Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. In the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, this investment added up to over $4.25 million that will help finance critical infrastructure that supports the use of renewable fuels.
“When we invest in accessible and modern climate-smart infrastructure in rural communities, we invest in rebuilding the middle class by creating good-paying jobs,” Maxson said. “The investments we are announcing today demonstrate how the Biden-Harris Administration has put rural communities at the heart of climate action and climate-smart solutions.”
Elizabeth Gariepy, USDA Rural Development Acting State Director for MA, RI, and CT, said, “I am pleased that this significant investment will help expand the use of renewable fuels in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. These vital funds will create infrastructure that will help to preserve our beautiful environment for future generations.”
Through the Earth Day announcement, three local fuel distribution businesses will receive a total of $4,255,824 through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Innovation Program for critical infrastructure upgrades:
- Sprague Operating Resources LLC., located in Portsmouth, NH, will receive a Higher Blends Infrastructure Innovation Program Grant in the amount of $149,187. This Rural Development investment will be used to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels from Sprague Operating Resources, LLC. Facility locations impacted by this grant are: Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Quincy. This project projects to increase the amount of biodiesel sold by 8,320,000 gallons per year. The purpose of this funding program is to assist owners of transportation fueling and fuel distribution facilities in activities designed to expand the sales and use of ethanol and biodiesel.
- Global Companies, LLC., located in Waltham, will receive a Higher Blends Infrastructure Innovation Program Grant in the amount of $3,806,637. This Rural Development investment will be used to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels. Facility locations impacted by this grant are: Albany, NY; Newburgh, NY; Providence, RI; Bridgeport, CT; and Revere. This project projects to increase the amount of biodiesel sold by 51,260,490 gallons per year. The purpose of this funding program is to assist owners of transportation fueling and fuel distribution facilities in activities designed to expand the sales and use of ethanol and biodiesel.
Townsend Oil Company, located in Danvers, will receive a Higher Blends Infrastructure Innovation Program Grant in the amount of $300,000.
This Rural Development investment will be used to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels for Townsend Oil Company. Facility locations impacted by this grant are: Danvers; Manchester, NH; and Somersworth, NH. This project aims to increase the amount of biodiesel sold by 8,161,903 gallons per year. The purpose of this funding program is to assist owners of transportation fueling and fuel distribution facilities in activities designed to expand the sales and use of ethanol and biodiesel.
