MN Bio-Fuels: Infrastructure grants available for retailers
The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) is promoting a $3.37 million grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s AGRI Biofuels Infrastructure Program. The funding helps fuel retailers expand access to Unleaded 88 and other ethanol blends. Retailers can request between $5,000 and $199,000 per project, with a 35% cost match. The application deadline is October 30, 2024. MN Bio-Fuels offers technical support to assist retailers in applying for the program.
The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) is highlighting biofuel infrastructure grant funding available under the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Biofuels Infrastructure Program. Fuel retailers are strongly encouraged to apply before the Oct 30, 2024, deadline.
A total of $3.37 million of grant funding is available under the program, which is aimed at expanding availability of Unleaded 88 and other higher blends of ethanol.
“Higher blends of ethanol fuels like Unleaded 88 are already benefiting Minnesota’s economy and environment, and by helping smaller retailers finance infrastructure upgrades the AGRI Biofuels Infrastructure program is accelerating access to these cleaner burning, cost-effective renewable fuels. MN Bio-Fuels has the resources and technical expertise to assist interested retailers, and we strongly encourage them to reach out to us or the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to apply,” said Brian Werner, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
Fuel retailers operating in Minnesota with no more than 10 retail stations may request between $5,000 and $199,000 for an individual project and must commit at least 35% of the total project cost.
Earlier this year, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture awarded $3 million in biofuel infrastructure grant funding to16 retail stations in the state.
MN Bio-Fuels assisted nearly 40 interested stations in applying for the program. Roughly half of those stations submitted applications, increasing the available pool of qualified applicants and representing some 30% of the grant recipients and funds awarded.
Minnesota currently leads the nation in providing consumer access to Unleaded 88. There are nearly 500 stations across the state that offer Unleaded 88, which saves consumers an average of $0.18 per gallon.
In the first half of 2024, 69.53 million gallons of Unleaded 88 was sold in Minnesota, up 18% from the 58.57 million gallons sold over the same period in 2023.
Retailers interested in applying for the AGRI Biofuels Infrastructure Program or receiving assistance in navigating the application process are encouraged to contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture or MN Bio-Fuels.
Source Link : https://ethanolproducer.com/articles/mn-bio-fuels-infrastructure-grants-available-for-retailers
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