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Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership, Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program Team Up to Bring More Choices to Iowa Motorists

JOHNSTON, IOWA – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has been awarded $5 million to install an estimated 187 blender pumps, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership (BIP).  Iowa fuel retailers can now apply for federal funding, as well as state grants available through Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP). Applications are available on the IDALS’ website.

“Thanks to the USDA’s blender pump program, Iowans will now be able to benefit from the wider availability of E15 and E85,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Managing Director Lucy Norton.  “More blender pumps in Iowa means more competition at the pump, resulting in even lower fuel prices, better air quality and stronger energy security.”

ProtecFuel and the IRFA will be hosting a free retailer workshop on Monday, December 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to assist retailers in understanding and applying for grant funding. For more information and to register for the free retailer workshop, please visit: www.IowaRFA.org/ProtecWorkshop

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) is designed to assist retail operators of motor fuel dispensing sites or fueling stations in the conversion of their equipment to allow the expanded availability of renewable fuels in Iowa.  The contribution from USDA’s BIP expands this existing program with the goal of adding an additional 187 blender pumps.  Eligible projects may receive both state and federal funding through this one-time opportunity.

The grant program will be administered through RFIP, with the application periods set as follows:

• December 31, 2015: Round One Application Deadline
• January 1, 2016: Round Two Application Period Open
• January 15, 2016: Round One Grants Announced
• January 31, 2016: Round Two Application Deadline
• February 15, 2016: Round Two Grants Announced

More details on the program, including applications, are available by visiting: www.iowaagriculture.gov/agMarketing.asp.

Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 43 ethanol refineries capable of producing 3.9 billion gallons annually, including nearly 55 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity. In addition, Iowa has 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce nearly 315 million gallons annually.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.

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For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org