Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Aug 22, 2023

Minnesota retail service stations looking to increase access to and sales of motor fuel blends containing at least 15% ethanol are encouraged to apply for funding currently available through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).

The Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program will award up to $3.335 million in this round of funding to offset the cost of replacing or upgrading current station equipment so it can be certified as compatible with E25 or higher motor fuel blends. Examples of eligible equipment include retail petroleum dispensers and fuel storage tanks.

“As consumer demand for cleaner fuel options continues to grow, the MDA is pleased we can partner with service stations to expand their capacity for higher ethanol blends at the pump,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen.  “Biofuels offer an affordable, immediate step to meeting Minnesota’s climate goals, while supporting our farmers and rural economies.”

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. Grants may be expended over a three-year period and must start after mid-January 2024.

Applicants must be a retail petroleum dispenser in Minnesota with no more than 10 sites, regardless of location. Separate applications must be submitted for each site in Minnesota seeking funding.

Additional consideration will be given to businesses owned by women, members of the BIPOC community, veterans, and projects that serve communities of color, Native American tribal communities, socio-economically disadvantaged communities, and communities where access to biofuels is limited.

Funding for this program is made available through a legislative appropriation for the  AGRI Program,  as well as additional support from  Minnesota Corn.  The AGRI program administers grants to farmers, agribusinesses, schools, and more throughout Minnesota to advance the state’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors.

Applications must be received by 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2023, to be considered for funding. Visit the  AGRI Biofuels Infrastructure Grant webpage  for full eligibility and application details.

Read the original press release here.