Iowa grant program opens again to help retailers offset costs of E15 pumps

In Iowa, fuel retailers wishing to offer E15 to 2001 and newer vehicles now have assistance available to them through the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association led a coalition of ethanol supporters in the passage of legislation this year to expand eligibility for the highly successful state infrastructure program, allowing retailers to now receive financial assistance to install or upgrade fuel dispensing equipment to offer cleaner-burning, lower-cost E15 that is approved for use in 2001 and newer vehicles.

This year, the RFIP was expanded to also provide financial assistance for the upgrade or installation of dispensing equipment for the purpose of offering E15 as a registered fuel. Qualifying projects are eligible for up to 70 percent of the installation costs, or a maximum of $50,000 per retail location.