August 24th, 2022 - 6:30 am
Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it had begun accepting new applications for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), an initiative launched to increase sales and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.
The HBIIP offers fuel distribution facilities grants of up to 50% of project costs (or up to $5 million) for the installation, retrofitting, or upgrading of dispensers, pumps, related equipment, and infrastructure required to ensure the availability of biodiesel blends greater than 5%. Thanks to NEFI's efforts, "heating oil distribution facilities" are recognized as eligible applicants under the HBIIP and will be considered for these new grant opportunities. According to the USDA, "approximately $100 million" in grants will be available through the current application window.
Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on November 21, 2022. Additional details about the program, including an application checklist, are available on the HBIIP website under "How to Apply." To gain access to the online application system, interested parties must submit a completed HBIIP Online Access Request form to HigherBlendsGrants-access@usda.gov
To date, the HBIIP has provided $11 million to nine heating fuel suppliers for blending infrastructure projects in six Northeast states. Together, these projects are expected to increase biodiesel blend sales by more than 473 million gallons. Heating fuel wholesalers and dealers with bulk plants are strongly encouraged to participate in this program.
NOTE: This latest announcement by the USDA is in reference to a new $100 million round of funding for 50% cost-sharing grants under the HBIIP. Thanks in part to NEFI's efforts, an additional $500 million will be provided for the HBIIP through September 30, 2031. Those funds will support future cost-sharing grants for up to 75% of project costs.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE HBIIP WEBSITE CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCESS
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