Wisconsin is among 21 states that will receive grants to help increase the availability of biofuels.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Thursday that it will issue $100 million to the states, which will match the funding through private and state resources, to add infrastructure needed to roughly double the number of gas pumps delivering higher blends of corn-based ethanol. Vilsack said the move should lead to more E15 and E85 being sold nationwide.
The USDA estimates the funding to the state of Wisconsin will support 120 more gas pumps offering higher ethanol blends.
Vilsack believes the effort will give consumers more choices and provide a much needed boost to the rural economy. He cited a study showing the biofuels industry has $184 billion impact on the U.S. economy, through job creation and tax revenue.
The USDA estimates the grants will support nearly 5,000 pumps at over 1,400 gas stations in the 21 states.
Pat Curtis