Statewide program continues momentum for greater consumer access to lower cost Iowa grown biofuels

Two Benton County locations were among 16 different counties in Iowa who were awarded more than $1.1 million in cost-share grants from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) during the latest quarterly application cycle.

E15 Scheetz Group LLC in 101 1st St. Van Horne was awarded $53,200 and their location at 188 Park Ridge Rd. Atkins received $50,000.

The RFIP helps fuel retailers provide higher blends of lower cost Iowa grown biofuels to consumers by incentivizing the installation, replacement and conversion of ethanol and biodiesel dispensing and storage infrastructure. Incentives to upgrade biodiesel terminal and storage facilities are also available. While the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship manages the program, a board appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate determines grant allocations on a quarterly basis.

"We want consumers to spend less at the pump and increasing the usage of higher ethanol and biodiesel blends is one big way for Iowans to save money," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. "The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program continues to be highly successful at helping retailers install new infrastructure so that consumers across the state can easily utilize lower cost and cleaner burning Iowa grown biofuels."

The 16 Iowa counties receiving cost-share grants, totaling $1,117,144.98, for renewable fuels infrastructure upgrades during the last quarterly meeting of the RFIP board include the following: Johnson, Pottawattamie, Jasper, Winneshiek, Dubuque, Polk, Black Hawk, Benton, Adair, Union, Lucas, Scott, Muscatine, Carroll, Calhoun and Woodbury.

The RFIP was appropriated $10 million in funding for the current fiscal year as a result of transformational biofuel legislation that was passed and signed into law during the 2022 Iowa legislative session. To date, $4,955,120 of that funding has been awarded to 102 biofuel infrastructure projects. The program leverages significant private investment by participating fuel retailers.

The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Fund Board is expected to meet two more times to make awards for this fiscal year. The RFIP grant application is available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's website.

The breakdown of the funding for this fiscal year, so far, is as follows:

  • $270,000 to 6 E85 projects
  • $3,135,120 to 64 E15 projects
  • $1,250,000 to 26 Biodiesel projects
  • $300,000 to 6 Biodiesel Terminal projects

Over the history of the program, the state has invested approximately $60 million while private industry has invested over $200 million. To learn more about the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program, visit the program's webpage on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's website.

About the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Led by Secretary Mike Naig, the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship serves the rural and urban residents that call Iowa home. Through its 14 diverse bureaus, the Department ensures animal health, food safety and consumer protection. It also promotes conservation efforts to preserve our land and enhance water quality for the next generation.


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