The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting proposals for grants that will enhance the state's biodiesel industry. A total of $300,000 in funds is available to the owners of facilities that supply petroleum products to customers who sell, use, or transport fuel in the state of Minnesota. The facilities should be located on or near a petroleum terminal and have an infrastructure that can be designed to blend cold weather biodiesel with conventional diesel fuels. Cold weather biodiesel is a high-quality biodiesel blend that can be used successfully year-round, even in the coldest climates.
Grant funds may be used to offset the cost of necessary infrastructure equipment including but not limited to tank, pipe, valves, meters, pumps, and heating equipment plus the cost of engineering, fabrication, and installation.
Proposals must include a description and cost of the proposed blending facilities and assurances that the facility will provide biodiesel blended fuels to the Minnesota diesel fuel market in cold weather conditions.
For a copy of proposal requirements, contact Christina Connelly at 651-201-6220 or Christina.Connelly@state.mn.us . Questions can be directed to Connelly through Friday, Nov. 14. Or visit the MDA Web site at www.mda.state.mn.us and click on Grants, Loans & Financing.
Proposals must be received by Christina Connelly at 625 North Robert St., St. Paul, MN 55155 no later than 4 p.m. Central Standard Time on Friday, Nov. 28.
