Missouri based fuel retailers who have applied for the USDA Rural Development’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Program are now eligible for applying for more state funds for improving the availability of higher ethanol blends in the state.
To qualify, fuel retailers must be first approved for the USDA Rural Development’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Program (HBIIP), followed by approval of the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) Biofuel Infrastructure Program (BIP) program. The state BIP program has dedicated up to $2 million in grant funds that may be used to fulfill up to 25 percent of the cash match obligation required for the HBIIP. The maximum MASDBA grant award is $200,000 for each business entity selected for HBIIP funding. The Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC) will then match the grant fund up to a total of $500,000 statewide to increase access to ethanol blends above 10 percent.
For more information on the MASDBA BIP program, visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov, or email masbda@mda.mo.gov or call the Missouri Corn office at (573) 893-4141.
