WASHINGTON – The USDA plans to make available approximately $86 million for implementation activities related to higher blends of fuel ethanol, and approximately $14 million for implementation activities related to high- er blends of biodiesel.
“American ethanol and biofuel producers have been affected by decreased energy demands due to the coronavirus, and these grants to expand their availability will help increase their use during our economic resurgence,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue said.
The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) awards competitive grants or sales incentives to entities to expand the sale and use of cleaner fuels. Funds will assist transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities with converting to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends by sharing the costs related to and/ or offering sales incentives for the installation of fuel pumps, related equipment, and infrastructure.
Grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs, but not more than $5 million, are available to vehicle fueling facilities, including, but not limited to, local fueling stations/locations, fleet facilities, fuel terminal operations, midstream partners and/or distribution facilities.
For application information, see page 26656 of the May 5 Federal Register, or visit the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program webpage.