The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development office announced $11.5 million in funding through its business programs for 13 Iowa projects across Iowa aimed at supporting economic development, manufacturing expansion, value-added agriculture and renewable fuel infrastructure. The investment includes a $1.4 million grant to Iowa State University’s Agricultural Marketing Resource Center to assist producers with value-added enterprises, along with $5.95 million in loans through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program to support six manufacturing projects expected to create jobs and expand facilities in multiple communities. An additional $4.17 million in grants through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program will fund fuel infrastructure upgrades at several locations to increase ethanol and biodiesel availability.