USDA Announces $100 Million Grant Program for E15 Infrastructure Upgrades

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will publish a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) of up to $100 million in competitive infrastructure grants to promote the distribution of higher ethanol and biodiesel blends. The grant money will be made through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) and is available to assist retail fueling and biodiesel facilities with converting equipment to handle higher biofuel blends such as E15 and B20. Eligible entities for HBIP grants include: retail fueling stations, convenience stores, hypermarket fueling stations, fleet facilities, etc. Consideration for eligibility will also be given to biodiesel terminal operations and home heating oil distribution networks. Grants for retail gasoline stations will be made available for the installation of fuel pumps, related underground storage tank system equipment and other infrastructure.

PMAA submitted written comments to the USDA requesting priority for applicants converting retail infrastructure to E15 compatible equipment. PMAA requested that funding not be limited to dispensers alone, but available for all UST system equipment. The USDA will launch the program in the early spring and will provide information on the application process and evaluation criteria in an upcoming notice. PMAA will report on these requirements as they are made available.

From PMAA