Local Businesses Receive Biofuel Infrastructure Funding
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) announced it has invested more than $2 million in projects that increase the distribution and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel in the State of Missouri. Expenses incurred during the construction, installation, upgrade, or retrofit of fuel dispensers/pumps, storage tanks and other infrastructure located in Missouri qualified for partial funding from MASBDA.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture has announced a series of projects awarded funding to increase the availability of biodiesel blends. A portion of the projects received funds from USDA Rural Development’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program and matching funds from either the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council or the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council.
The leveraging of federal funds and increasing the availability of biofuels in the state creates additional demand for two of Missouri’s top commodities, corn and soybeans.
Area projects receiving funding to increase the availability of biodiesel B6 or higher includes Deluxe Truck Stop in St. Joseph, which will receive closed to $41,000 for the installation of an underground storage tank and four fuel dispensers at one retail location. Landes Oil in Jamesport will receive over $95,000 for installation of an above-ground biodiesel storage tank and blending controller equipment to allow for sales of higher biodiesel blends.
Funding for biofuel infrastructure is provided by contributions made through the purchase of tax credits and through funds made available by the Missouri General Assembly.
