Moorhead, Minn. — Senator Rob Kupec (DFL-Moorhead) is encouraging area gas station owners and retailers to apply for new state funding that will help them expand their selection of motor fuel blends containing at least 15% ethanol.
“Biofuels are saving our drivers money and supporting our agricultural and renewable energy sectors, a win-win for Minnesota,” said Sen. Kupec. “Now, thanks to this new grant funding, we’re helping more gas stations expand their infrastructure to offer more opportunities for more consumers to take advantage of these homegrown products. I encourage anyone eligible to apply today.”
Approximately $3.3 million is available in these Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Infrastructure Grants, distributed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, which is available to service stations with no more than 10 petroleum dispensing sites in Minnesota to invest in equipment certified as compatible with E25 or higher blends. The grant program is funded through a legislative appropriation for MDA’s Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program and with additional support from Minnesota Corn.
Examples of eligible equipment include retail petroleum dispensers, fuel storage tanks, and other equipment needed to dispense biofuels to the public. Applicants may request between $5,000 and $199,000 for an individual project and must commit at least 35% of the total project cost as a cash match.
Funds can only be used to pay for eligible costs incurred after the grant contract has been signed by all parties, which is expected to take place in early 2025. Applicants must be operating and dispensing fuel at the time of application. New stations under construction or planned for construction are not eligible.
Applications must be submitted through the MDA’s online portal by 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2024. Visit the AGRI Biofuels Infrastructure Grant webpage for full eligibility and application details.
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