🌽 Calling All Fleet Operators, Fuel Distributors, and Retailers! 🌱
Missouri is rolling out the green carpet with some exciting news that could give your business a boost while also helping the environment! 🚜 The state is now accepting applications for its Biofuel Infrastructure Incentive Program, and they’re ready to fuel up your business with grants designed to expand the distribution and use of ethanol and biodiesel blends. 💰
Why is this a big deal? According to Jill Wood, the executive director of the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA), “An investment in biofuel is an investment in Missouri agriculture.” 🌾 And she’s not just talking about clean energy—this initiative directly benefits Missouri’s soybean and corn industries, two of the state’s top crops. Talk about a win-win! 🏆 Brownfield Ag News reports that the program is supported by up to $4 million in funding, split evenly between biodiesel and ethanol projects, ensuring robust support for both types of biofuels.
What’s in it for you? MASBDA is offering grants to biofuel retailers, distributors, terminal companies, and fleet operators who are ready to jump on board with biofuel. If you currently dispense or plan to store or dispense ethanol blends (like E15 or higher) and biodiesel blends (B6 or higher), you’re eligible to apply. 💼 NGT News emphasizes that these grants are not just about helping businesses go green—they’re also a significant boost to Missouri’s agricultural sector by increasing the demand for locally grown soybeans and corn.
Jill Wood added, “MASBDA is proud to play a part in growing biofuel availability in Missouri.” Applications are due by October 15th, and awards will be announced by November 29th. So, don’t wait too long—get your application in before the deadline! 🗓️
How are the grants distributed? Here’s the breakdown:
- Biodiesel and Ethanol Projects: The grants will be evenly split between projects supporting biodiesel and ethanol. 🌱
- Tier 1: If you’re a terminal company, fuel distributor, or retailer with more than five locations, you could snag a grant covering up to 50% of eligible project costs, or $500,000—whichever is less. 🚚
- Tier 2: Smaller fuel retailers (with five or fewer stations), fleet operators, or individual companies can apply for grants covering up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a cap of $250,000. 🛢️
To qualify, you must be working on projects that involve constructing, retrofitting, or upgrading infrastructure or equipment that handles biodiesel or ethanol-blended fuels in Missouri. This includes fuel dispensers, pumps, storage tanks, and other components needed to ensure the safe and efficient availability of these green fuels. 🌿 Newstalk KZRG details how these grants will support a wide range of infrastructure improvements, from new constructions to upgrades, ensuring that Missouri’s biofuel industry continues to grow.
For full details on the program and to apply, visit the official Missouri Department of Agriculture page here.
Why should you care? This program represents a successful public-private partnership aimed at creating more options at the pump, improving air quality, and boosting energy security with homegrown renewable fuels. Matt Lambert, chairman of the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, put it best: “We appreciate the continued collaboration with elected officials and MASBDA to help set the stage for additional options at the pump, cleaner air, and increased energy security.” 💪
Plus, Aaron Porter, former chairman of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, emphasized that this program is vital for building new demand for biodiesel, which in turn boosts Missouri’s economy. 🚜💵
Did You Know? Missouri’s agriculture is no small potatoes! The state ranks seventh in the nation for soybean production, valued at $2 billion annually, and tenth for corn production, worth $1.8 billion per year. And with a robust biodiesel infrastructure already in place—seven plants, 19 distributors, and hundreds of retailers—Missouri is a leader in green fuel innovation. 🌽🌱
So, if you’re in the biofuel game—or thinking about getting in—now’s your chance to make a big impact. Apply today and be part of Missouri’s green energy future! 🌍
For more information, you can visit these sources:
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