U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced this week that the USDA has invested $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales. These funds were made available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to recipients in 14 states, including Kentucky. The initial $22 million in HBIIP investments are projected to increase ethanol demand by nearly 150 million gallons annually.
“Investments made through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program are helping rural communities build stronger economies and will give consumers more choices when they fill up at the pump,” Secretary Perdue said. “President Trump has expanded ethanol use by unleashing year-round E15, and the result is more demand for American farmers and more affordable fuel for American consumers.”
HBIIP helps fuel retail facilities convert to higher blends of ethanol by sharing the costs related to installation or conversion of fuel pumps. Kentucky will see conversions at several Thorntons and Casey’s locations.
“We are happy the administration is building future demand for ethanol and corn farmers,” said Ray Allan Mackey, KyCorn Promotion Council chairman. “We plan to continue this momentum with checkoff investments in ethanol pump conversions in the coming years.”