innovate arkansas

The federal government recently awarded Arkansas State University in Jonesboro $1.5 million for its Biofuels Research Program. 

The money will be used to develop enzymes to improve cellulosic ethanol technology, according to a news release from the office of Rep. Marion Berry, D-Ark.

"The development of these enzymes will significantly reduce the cost of ethanol production, which will lower the cost of the biofuel ultimately benefiting consumers," the news release said. "With the highly respected scientists at ASU and the abundance of agricultural resources available, Arkansas could easily become the leader in the growing biofuels industry," Berry said in the news release.