Klobuchar, Smith Announce USDA Funding for Rural Water, Energy, and Biofuel Infrastructure

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing more than $4.4 million in critical infrastructure that will help Minnesota's rural communities recover from the pandemic while promoting environmental stewardship. USDA is making the investments under the Water and Environmental Program, the Rural Energy for America Program, and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.

'Investment in rural water, energy, and biofuel infrastructure is essential for improving rural communities across our state,' said Sen. Klobuchar. 'This funding will help support Minnesota's local economies as we work to recover from the pandemic.'

'We should prioritize climate-smart solutions as we make rural water, energy and biofuel infrastructure improvements in Minnesota,' said Sen. Smith. 'These grants give us the opportunity to do just that. Six awards will improve water and wastewater infrastructure to prevent groundwater contamination and other environmental hazards. Five awards will help farmers develop renewable energy systems like solar arrays, or save energy and money by installing a more efficient grain dryer. And two awards will help expand the use and sales of renewable fuels. Putting real dollars behind the promise to invest in infrastructure shows Minnesotans that the federal government takes its responsibility seriously.'

Additionally, Klobuchar and Smith announced that Minnesota would receive a portion of a $4.8 million grant shared with Wisconsin and Ohio to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels. The funds will assist owners of transportation fueling and fuel distribution facilities in activities designed to expand the sales and use of ethanol and biodiesel in New Ulm, Winona, Cold Spring, and Spring Valley.

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