Indiana Corn

More E85 pumps at fuel stations across the state is the goal of a new corn checkoff-funded program offered by the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC). The new grant program is designed to help fuel retailers with the cost of converting existing fuel storage tanks to hold E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline) that can offer consumers a cleaner choice at the pump.

“One of the early priorities of the new corn checkoff program is to increase the use of ethanol in the state,” said ICMC Biofuels Director Mark Walters. “However, the cost to retailers interested in offering E85 at the pump can be significant, so we are offering them some help in return for the retailer’s commitment to offer and promote our home-grown, alternative fuel.”

Fuel retailers in Indiana are eligible for grants up to $5,000 for the cleaning of fuel storage tanks prior to the introduction of E85 blended fuel. This grant is in addition to the grant offered by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture for the purchase of new E85 refueling equipment or existing pump conversion. Eligible licensed fuel retailers must be willing to commit to selling and actively promoting E85 for a period of two years.
 
According to the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition, 31 new models of motor vehicles will be offered with an E85 capable engine in 2008. With these additions, there are more than 175 models of Flex Fuel Vehicles available to consumers.
 
“Indiana corn farmers, through investment of our corn checkoff funds, are working to drive consumers to purchase Flex Fuel Vehicles and fill them with E85,” said ICMC Director Mike Nichols, a corn producer from Richland, Ind. who also serves on the National Corn Growers Association’s Ethanol Committee. “With less than 100 E85 pumps across the state, we need more fuel retailers to step up and offer E85 so that consumers have ample places to fill up as more Flex Fuel Vehicles hit the road.”
 
For more information about eligibility requirements and to obtain a grant application, fuel retailers should contact Mark Walters, ICMC Biofuels Director, at 317-347-3620 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it The Tank Grant Form can also be found online.