Grainnet

Renewable Fuel Infrastructire Board Awards Grants to Expand Biodiesel and E85 Consumer Access

Johnston, IA -– The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA)Nov. 2 applauded the Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Board (RFIB) for awarding the first grants under the State of Iowa’s new three-year $13 million renewable fuel infrastructure program.

Created this year by the Iowa Legislature and administered by the Iowa Department of Economic Development, an 11-member board appointed by Governor Tom Vilsack reviews applications and makes awards.

“We’re excited that the process has finally begun,” said Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director.

“Iowa is the renewable fuel production leader and this program can help Iowa become the renewable fuel consumption leader as well."

Iowans are demanding more homegrown fuels and these grants can help retailers and distributors bring those renewable fuels to the consumer.”

On October 31st, the RFIB approved 9 grants to 8 companies for 10 projects.

The projects include one biodiesel terminal, two biodiesel retail stations, and seven E85 retail stations.

Entities wishing to install E85 or biodiesel retailing sites or biodiesel blending terminals can apply for grants through the Iowa Department of Economic Development.

An application form can be found at: www.iowalifechanging.com/business/downloads/renewfuelprojectapp.pdf.

The RFIB has $5.5 million in grant money available this fiscal year (ending June 30, 2007).

Retailers wishing to add E85 or biodiesel blends to their stations can apply for grants up to $30,000 or 50% of project cost.

Biodiesel terminal operators can apply for a grant up to $50,000 or 50% of project cost.

Biodiesel terminals are distribution hubs that can supply numerous retail outlets.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Currently, Iowa has 14 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of over 315 million gallons either in operation or under construction.

In addition, Iowa has 25 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce nearly 1.6 billion gallons annually.

There are 11 ethanol refineries under construction or expanding that will add 775 million gallons of annual capacity.

Many additional renewable fuels projects are under development.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s ethanol and biodiesel producers.

The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.

For more information, call Monte Shaw, IRFA, at 515-252-6249.