Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) - E15 Equipment Grants

Program Status: Active as of August 2015; expanded to include E15 equipment

Geographic Scope: Iowa

Focus Areas:

• Installation or upgrade of fuel dispensing equipment to offer E15 (15% ethanol blend)
• Equipment for 2001 and newer vehicles
• E15 is approved for use in vehicles manufactured 2001 and newer

Eligible Applicants:

• Iowa fuel retailers
• Retail locations offering fuel to the public

What the Program Funds:

• Installation or upgrade of fuel dispensing equipment for E15 dispensing
• Equipment must be registered to dispense E15 as an approved fuel
• Award: Up to 70% of installation costs, maximum $50,000 per retail location

Program Background:

• The Iowa RFIP has been in operation since 2007
• Originally provided cost-share grants for higher ethanol and biodiesel blends
• Expanded in 2015 to include E15 equipment eligibility
• Also funds blender pumps, E85 dispensing equipment, biodiesel dispensing equipment, and bulk biodiesel terminal storage tanks

Additional Context:

• E15 is lower-cost than E10 (typically 5-10 cents cheaper per gallon)
• 70% of Iowans support using E15 when cheaper than E10
• 76% of E15 supporters would drive out of their way to save 5-10 cents per gallon
• Iowa leads the nation with 34 fueling stations offering E15

Contact Information:

• Phone: (515) 252-6249
• Email: info@IowaRFA.org
• Address: 5550 Wild Rose Lane, Suite #340, West Des Moines, IA 50266
• Website: www.IowaRFA.org

Application Process

How to Apply:

1. Visit the application portal at: www.iowaagriculture.gov/agMarketing/IRFIP.asp
2. Complete the grant application form
3. Submit application through the state agriculture department portal

Application Materials Required:

• Grant application form (available on Iowa Department of Agriculture website)
• Details of proposed E15 equipment installation/upgrade
• Proof of retail location and ownership/operation
• Cost estimates for equipment and installation
• Compliance documentation for federal and state E15 regulations

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants must comply with all federal and state E15 regulations
• IRFA works with retailers to ensure regulatory compliance
• Equipment must be registered to dispense E15 as an approved fuel

Award Basis:

• Reimbursement based on 70% of eligible installation costs
• Maximum award of $50,000 per retail location
• Retailers line up to apply based on customer demand