Fed Funding to Double Fueling for Higher-Ethanol Blends

A new partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and 21 states will nearly double the number of pumps, storage, and related infrastructure that offer higher blends of ethanol, such as E-15 and E-85.

Infrastructure is expected to expand by nearly 5,000 pumps at over 1,400 fueling stations, according to a USDA release.

In May, the USDA announced the availability of $100 million in grants through the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP). States and private partners who apply must match federal funding with a $1-to-$1 ratio.

The USDA received applications for over $130 million, which was well above the $100 million available. With the matching commitments by state and private entities, the BIP is investing a total of $210 million.

The 21 states participating include Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

To see the amount awarded to each state, click here.