RIVERSIDE — Boyd Station LLC of Riverside today was awarded a $750,000 grant by the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority to increase capacity at its soybean processing facility, according to Senator John R. Gordner , R-27 of Berwick, who helped secure the funding.

An announcement from the Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell said SEDA Council of Governments, near Lewisburg, will get $442,000 as well.

Bryan Cotner of Boyd Station said the expansion project totals more than $4.8 million. “Boyd Station plans on expanding current soybean processing operations, resulting in increased biodiesel capacity. This project promotes and supports local agriculture,” said Cotner. “Senator Gordner’s support of Pennsylvania’s farmers, and his recognition of their value to the emerging biofuels industry was crucial in this grant process.”

Boyd Station will increase the facility’s current capacity by 300 percent and will contribute more than 85 percent of the local soybean supply toward Pennsylvania biodiesel production. The project will also create six new jobs and retain the current fourteen jobs at the plant.

“The Boyd Station project will create jobs, expand production of alternative fuels, provide environmental benefits and boost our local agricultural industry,” said Senator Gordner. “For those reasons, it was an important project and I’m very pleased by today’s action by the Energy Development Authority.”

The SEDA-Council of Governments project includes $442,234 for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold green building features. The funds will help pay for a solar photovoltaic system, geothermal, insulation, windows and solar water heating systems.

The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority provides assistance for alternative energy projects involving clean and alternative fuels, solar energy, wind energy and other conservation practices. Today it awarded just over $11 million in funding for 24 projects in the Commonwealth.