"There is a distribution issue, and we are trying to increase the availability of E-85 fuel," said Rep. Friend. "It can be expensive to install new fueling pumps. This bill is designed help distributors finance additional E-85 fueling stations around the state, make the fuel more accessible to Hoosiers." Each E-85 fueling station may receive one grant per fueling station location. The amount of a grant may not exceed the amount of the investment or $20,000. Local units of government will also be eligible to receive grants. E-85 is an alternative fuel that contains 85 percent ethanol, a fuel made from corn, and 15 percent gasoline. Alternative fuels such as ethanol have the potential to reduce our reliance on foreign oil. They also help Hoosiers farmers and, therefore, Indiana's economy. The program is funded through the corn checkoff (an assessment of one-half-cent per bushel of corn collected by the first purchaser). The grant program has a cap of $1 million. Rep. Friend encourages constituents to contact him with questions or concerns through e-mail at h23@in.gov, by calling the Statehouse toll-free at 1-800-382-9841 or by writing him at the Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. |
