$2.49 million awarded to help install 107 new blender pumps around Iowa
DES MOINES – Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that $2.49 million has been awarded through the “Fueling Our Future 100” initiative to support the installation of 107 new blender pumps and 8 underground storage tanks that can be used to distribute higher blends of renewable fuels. This is the 1st round of funding through the program and applications are due Feb. 1 for the 2nd round of funding.
“Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuel production. Every one of these fuels pumps that is being installed, as a result of this announcement, benefits our agricultural economy, supports good jobs for Iowa families and gives consumers more choices at the pump,” Branstad said. “This is a win-win situation for Iowa families and our economy as a whole.”
A full list of sites receiving funding can be found here.
Lt. Gov. Reynolds added, “Thanks to the support of our federal partners at the USDA, the ‘Fueling our Future 100’ program is going to ensure that consumers in our state have greater access to biofuels. We’re appreciative of companies like Five Star Coop, New Century Farm Services, Kum & Go, STAR Energy and Three Rivers Farm Services Company for their efforts in continuing to put Iowa on the forefront of an even greater renewable future.”
"We are excited to announce these 107 new blender pumps and hope other fuel retailers interested in offering additional renewable fuel options at their stations will consider applying as well. Retailers have until February 1 to submit their application for assistance through the program,” said Sec. Bill Northey.
The funding for the projects is from a $5 million competitive grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) program Iowa received to support the initiative. All funds must be matched by non-federal funds, including up to $2.5 million from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure program. The fueling sites applying for assistance will also be required to provide a minimum of $2.5 million.
Applications for the 2nd round of funding through the program are due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016.
An estimated 187 blender pumps and 25 underground storage tanks will be installed to provide consumers with access to higher blends of ethanol through the program.
Pumps and tanks funded through this program are currently required to be operational by December 31, 2016 and continue operations for the intended purpose of dispensing higher blends of ethanol through December 30, 2021.
More information about the program, a copy of the application and other materials can be found on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov under “Hot Topics.”
This new program is a partnership across state government, including collaboration between the Governor’s office, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Transportation, and Iowa Economic Development Authority.
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