(Des Moines, IA) -- Access to E15 fuel will be expanding, after a state panel approved dozens of grants. The panel has approved a record 73 projects, in 38-counties. The grants aim to help retailers install E15 fuel at more locations. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program has also approved an application for a new biodiesel terminal project.
The grants total more than $3.4 million in cost-share funding for Iowa fuel retailers.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship manages the program, a board appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate determines grant allocations on a quarterly basis.
“Iowans are fueling their vehicles with lower cost E15 at record levels, Iowa plants are producing record volumes of ethanol, and Iowa is setting records for ethanol infrastructure investment,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program is truly driving biofuels momentum, and that is important because this industry supports rural jobs, creates markets for farmers and helps us secure our energy future. With significant state and federal cost-share assistance available, there has never been a better time for fuel retailers to help Iowa drivers save money at the pump by upgrading their fueling infrastructure.”
Thirty-eight counties had locations receiving one or more of the project grants, including the following: Adair, Allamakee, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Clarke, Clayton, Clinton, Dallas, Davis, Decatur, Delaware, Des Moines, Dickinson, Dubuque, Grundy, Hamilton, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Marshall, Page, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story, Tama, Wapello, Warren, Webster, Winneshiek, Woodbury, and Wright.
The complete list of locations awarded at the January 30 RFIP board meeting can be found here.