National Corn Growers Association Applauds New Round Of USDA Grants To Extend Infrastructure For Biofuels

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is now accepting applications for $100 million in competitive grants to increase the sale and use of higher blends of biofuels like ethanol.

The funding, made available through USDA's Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, will help more fuel retailers and distributors offer consumers lower-cost and lower-emissions fuels, like E15 and E58, by sharing the cost to expand infrastructure such as pumps, dispensers and storage tanks.

"Higher blends of ethanol, like E15 and E85, are homegrown fuels that save consumers money at the pump while cutting emissions and improving the nation's energy security," said Iowa farmer and NCGA President Chris Edgington. "That is why corn growers applaud USDA for investing in additional infrastructure to help more retailers reach more consumers with clean, affordable biofuels."

USDA will provide cost-share grants of up to 50% of total eligible project costs and expects to fund approximately 200 grant awards with the allocated funds. Applications will close November 21 at 4:30 ET, and interested applicants can find more information from USDA Here

NCGA and state corn grower associations are also offering technical and other support for retailers interested in applying for these infrastructure grants

About the NCGA

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents nearly 40,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. NCGA and its 50 affiliated state organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for corn growers.