Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that 33 ethanol infrastructure grants have been awarded through the state’s Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program.
According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the grants were approved during the program’s quarterly board meeting on March 11 and will support projects at fuel retailers in 25 counties across Iowa.
The projects total more than $2.12 million in state cost-share funding and will help gas stations install or upgrade equipment needed to offer E15, also known as Unleaded 88.
Naig says the investments are aimed at expanding access to homegrown fuel options while helping lower costs for drivers and supporting Iowa’s agricultural economy.
The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program provides financial assistance to retailers for equipment such as fuel dispensers and storage tanks needed to offer higher blends of renewable fuels.
Since the program began in 2006, the state has invested more than $72 million in biofuels infrastructure, with private retailers contributing more than $280 million in matching funds.
State officials say Iowa continues to expand access to E15, with more than 1,100 fuel retailers now offering the fuel blend. More than 150 additional stations are expected to add E15 by the end of 2026.
