In honor of Earth Day 2021, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Indiana Rural Development Acting State Director Curtis Johnson announced that 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.

Indiana highlights of the announcement include investments in:

Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

USDA is investing $374 million through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 31 states. Through its Water and Environmental Programs, USDA funds vital water infrastructure that directly benefits the health, economic vitality and environment of rural America.

Town of LaFontaine will use a $1.5 million loan and $2.6 million grant to update and repair the existing wastewater system. This project will help keep the town's wastewater system functioning efficiently and effectively and maintain safe drinking water for the 875 residents.

Biofuel Infrastructure

USDA is investing $18.4 million in 20 states through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to build infrastructure to help expand the availability of higher-blend renewable fuels by approximately 218 million gallons per year. This will give consumers more environmentally friendly fuel choices when they fill-up at the pump.

Family Express Corp is receiving a $220,000 grant to replace 19 dispensers and one storage tank at four fueling stations, as well as install six dispensers at one fueling station. Stations and locations benefitting from this grant are North Judson, Plymouth, Valparaiso, Brookston and Westfield. This project predicts to increase the amount of ethanol sold by almost 4 million gallons per year.