TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- The state plans to spend more than $20 million in federal stimulus money on two projects to promote biomass energy.

Gov. Sam Brownback announced Tuesday that $15.6 million will be spent on a project near Oakley to use methane from cattle manure, rather than natural gas.

Another $4.9 million will go to a project to buy equipment that will deliver biomass feedstock to a Wichita plant more efficiently.

The Oakley plant's onsite power generator will be converted to use methane from manure instead of natural gas. Western Plains Energy, which operates the plant, will partner with Pioneer Feeders for the manure.

The Kansas Alliance for Biorefining and Bioenergy, based in Wichita, will use advanced harvesting and transportation equipment to process biomass feedstock mainly in northeast and southwest Kansas.

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Information from: The Wichita Eagle, http://www.kansas.com

Copyright 2011 The AP.