(Des Moines) A southwest Iowa ethanol manufacturing operation located in Cass County is among 195 projects awarded a grant aimed at strengthening the economy and reducing costs for agricultural producers and rural small business owners.
Elite Octane LLC, based in Atlantic, Cass County, has received a $500,000 grant to install a new, more efficient oil recovery system. This project is projected to save approximately $913,582 annually and reduce consumption by 10,103,986 kilowatt-hours (kWh) each year, enough energy to power 932 homes.
Today, Theresa Greenfield, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa, announced that the USDA is investing $18,367,170 in 195 projects statewide. “These projects highlight our commitment to providing reliable, renewable, clean energy for Iowans,” said Director Greenfield. “The USDA is fulfilling the Biden-Harris Administration’s pledge to increase access to clean energy sources while lowering costs for agricultural producers, small businesses, and families in Iowa.”
Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, the USDA has invested more than $2.7 billion through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), funding 9,901 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. More than $1 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act has financed nearly 7,000 projects.
The REAP program helps agricultural producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal, and small hydropower energies while improving energy efficiency. These innovations enable them to increase their income, grow their businesses, and tackle climate change, all while lowering energy costs for American families. The USDA Rural Development has 11 offices throughout the state to serve the 1.3 million Iowans living in rural communities and areas. The state office is located in Des Moines, with area offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton, and Waverly.
