U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Dr. Tom Carew today announced Kentucky will be one of 22 states benefitting from $19 million in grants aimed at giving drivers cleaner, more affordable fuel options.
“By increasing the availability of ethanol-based fuels, we’re helping Kentuckians pay less at the pump every time they fill up,” said Carew. “While we’re saving money at the pump, we’re also burning cleaner fuel and strengthening our energy independence. This is just another way the Biden-Harris administration recognizes clean energy goes hand-in-hand with strong economic development.”
Bulk Petroleum Corporation will use a $5 million Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program grant to install 73 E15 dispensers, seven E85 dispensers, 33 B20 dispensers, 31 ethanol storage tanks, and 22 biodiesel storage tanks at 24 fueling stations across Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, and in Louisville, Kentucky.
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc. will use a $4.9 million Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program grant to retrofit 704 E15 dispensers at 88 fueling stations located in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. In Kentucky, station locations include Waddy, Sparta, Horse Cave, Corbin, Richmond, Grayson, and Calvert City.
Background: Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program
The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program provides grants to fueling station and distribution facility owners, including marine, rail, and home heating oil facilities, to help expand access to domestic biofuels, a clean and affordable source of energy. These investments help business owners install and upgrade infrastructure such as fuel pumps, dispensers and storage tanks.
Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.