The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program is now accepting grant applications. USDA plans to make available up to $100 million in competitive grants available for activities designed to expand the sale and availability of ethanol and biodiesel fuels.

“As the coronavirus response continues, America’s energy independence has proven critical to our economic security now more than ever,” said Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Censky. “The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program will help rural communities build stronger economies and will give consumers more choices when they fill up at the pump.”

Electronic applications must be submitted by Aug. 13, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Paper applications will not be accepted. For additional information on the application window, see page 29394 of the May 15 Federal Register.

USDA plans to make funds directly available to help transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities convert to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends by sharing the costs related to the installation of fuel pumps, related equipment and infrastructure.

USDA will make grants for up to 50% of total eligible project costs, but not more than $5 million. Eligible recipients are vehicle fueling facilities, including, but not limited to, local fueling stations/locations, convenience stores, hypermarket fueling stations, fleet facilities, fuel terminal operations, midstream partners and/or distribution facilities.

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USDA is making available approximately $86 million for implementation activities related to higher blends of fuel ethanol, and approximately $14 million for implementation activities related to higher blends of biodiesel. Higher biofuel blends are fuels containing ethanol greater than 10% by volume and/or fuels containing biodiesel blends greater than 5% by volume.

For other program details, see page 26656 of the May 5 Federal Register.

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