The Minnesota Department of Agriculture recently awarded over $3 million in infrastructure grant funding to 16 retail service stations in the state to increase access to Unleaded 88.

“With the EPA’s recent decision to allow year-round E15 sales for 2024 and beyond, the MDA is pleased to partner with these service stations to expand access to this lower-cost, cleaner fuel alternative at the pump for Minnesotans while supporting our state’s agricultural community,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen.

Grant funds can be used to cover costs associated with the replacement or upgrading of current station equipment so it can be certified as compatible with E25 or higher motor fuel blends. To be eligible, grantees must be a retail petroleum dispenser in Minnesota with no more than 10 sites.

According to the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association, the state leads the nation in providing consumer access to Unleaded 88, with nearly 500 stations across the state offering the 15% ethanol blend of fuel.

“The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association is grateful for the robust investment in biofuel infrastructure provided by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. These grant funds will help more retailers finance upgrades to their equipment so that they can offer Unleaded 88, which we know provides cost savings for consumers, improves air quality, and contributes to stronger rural economy,” said Brian Werner, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels).

The 16 stations that were awarded the grant funding had participated in a competitive application review process which began in August 2023 through the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Biofuels Infrastructure Grant program.Funding for this program was made available by AGRI and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.