USDA Invests in Domestic Biofuels and Clean Energy Projects

South Dakota receives more than $2.65 million across 17 projects

HURON, S.D., Jan. 17, 2025 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for South Dakota Nikki Gronli today announced that USDA is funding 17 projects to expand access to clean energy systems and increase availability of domestic biofuels in South Dakota. The investments provide more than $2.65 million through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP).

The projects will create new market opportunities and jobs for South Dakota small businesses, farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers.

“USDA knows that investments in clean energy go hand-in-hand with strong economic development, especially in rural communities,” said Gronli. “And by expanding access to homegrown biofuels and clean energy systems, we’re creating new opportunities for South Dakota producers while bringing good-paying jobs to rural communities.” [Audio: mp3, 19s, 309 KB]

Rural Development investments in South Dakota include:

• Sioux Valley Cooperative will receive $617,310 to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels. This project will install one E85 dispenser, one B20 dispenser, two ethanol storage tanks, and three biodiesel storage tanks at one fueling stationin South Shore. This project expects to increase the amount of biofuel sold by 26,148 gallons per year.
• L Two Lodging LLC will receive $19,103 to install more energy-efficient doors at a small motel located near Burke. The energy-efficient improvement is expected to save the company $1,642 a year in energy costs and replace 20,520 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, which is enough energy to power one house.
• Dale Buller will receive $20,400 to install a 13.6-kilowatt (kW) roof-mounted, fixed-tilt solar array at a rural farm shop near Parker. This project is expected to replace $2,233 per year in energy costs and save 20,113 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, which is enough energy to power one home.

A full list of projects from today’s announcement is available online.

Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $3 billion for 11,221 projects through REAP and more than $323 million in 399 awards through HBIIP.

As part of today’s announcement, USDA is awarding $120 million in REAP grants for 516 projects in 39 states, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This program helps farmers and small business owners make energy efficiency improvements and expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy.

Business owners are also receiving nearly $60 million through HBIIP to expand access to domestic biofuels in 24 states and strengthen America’s energy independence. This program provides grants to fueling station and distribution facility owners—including marine, rail, and home heating oil facilities—to expand access to domestic biofuels, a clean and affordable source of energy.

For more information on USDA Rural Development programs, visit RD.USDA.Gov/SD.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates for South Dakota, visit GovDelivery subscriber page.

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