USDA High Blend Infrastructure Incentive Program Update

Today, a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) was published by the USDA in the Federal Register.  The High Blend Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) will be administered by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and the Rural Business Cooperative Service. The HBIIP will make $100 million in competitive grants available to eligible applicants for investments into infrastructure compatible for marketing blends above 10 percent ethanol and biodiesel blends greater than 5 percent. 

Grant funding will be divided with $86 million dedicated to ethanol related projects and the remaining $14 million allocated for biodiesel projects.  Eligible applicants may receive up to 50 percent of a projects costs not to exceed $5 million dollars.  An applicant may submit multiple projects in a single application and applications will be reviewed and scored using specific criteria.

Infrastructure eligible for funding includes all components of a UST system from storage tank through dispenser.  The HBIIP sets a Targeted Assistance Goal for funding available to fueling facility owners operating 10 or fewer locations.  Approximately 40 percent of available funds will be prioritized for owners fitting this criteria.  The agency intends to award approximately 150 grant awards providing assistance to 1,500 locations nationally.

The Agency will finalize the application window for enrollment in the Higher Biofuels Infrastructure Incentive Program by future notice in the Federal Register and Grants.gov. subject to the opening of the electronic application system.  FUELIowa will be providing more detailed information on the application process in the very near future. 

To read the NOFA click here.

Learn more about High Blend Infrastructure Incentive Program