Recent Press Releases

Washington, D.C. —  Senator John Thune announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a $483,183 grant for the Midwest Biodiesel Producers, LLC in Alexandria, South Dakota.

“This significant funding will help grow Alexandria’s economy,” Thune said. “South Dakota is fast becoming the leader in the area of renewable fuels. I’m proud to help South Dakota small businesses.”

Rural Development funds will be used to assist farmers, ranchers and small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficient improvements to their operations. This project involves the creation of a renewable energy system by crushing soybeans to create an oil and then converting the oil into biodiesel. The system is expected to produce two million gallons of biodiesel per year.