Grants for Fuel Marketers

The federal government and the State of Ohio both provide financial support to encourage fuel retailers and distributors to provide and market specific alternative fuels such as biodiesel, natural gas, propane, and E85 ethanol. In Ohio, retailers interested in offering E85 or B20 biodiesel can apply for a grant under the Alternative Fuels Transportation Grant program. Grants of up to $40,000 are available from Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) for each new retail biofuels pump, $10,000 to convert an existing pump to dispense these biofuels, and $5,000 per fuel per location for marketing support such as direct mail. Past grant-making suggests that the state will support blender pumps as long as the pump provides the option of B20 for biodiesel and E85 for ethanol. According to the statutory basis of the program, ODOD is directed to consider applications for biodiesel storage and/or blending (e.g. in line or sequential). Non-retail dispensing facilities for large fleets also are eligible.

The State does not have a similar grant program for other fuels such as compressed natural gas or propane at this time.