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08/28/2007

Ohio Department of Development Now Accepting Applications for Alternative Fuels Grant Program

Contact:

Jamie Mossbarger

Communications Director

614-476-3100

jmossbarger@soyohio.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 28, 2007

Ohio Department of Development Now Accepting Applications for the Alternative Fuel Transportation Grant Program for Fuel Retailers

Columbus, OH This week, the Ohio Department of Development's Ohio Energy Office (ODOD/OEO) announced it is accepting applications for the Alternative Fuel Transportation grant program for fuel retailers to purchase and install alternative fuel refueling equipment. Created in Governor Ted Strickland's biennium state budget and supported by the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA), this program is designed to increase the availability of E85 ethanol (85% ethanol and 15% petroleum) and B20 soy biodiesel (20% soy biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel) across Ohio.

"We hear a lot of people say that they would use soy biodiesel if it was available at more retail locations," said Mark Watkins, OSA president and Hardin County soybean farmer. "This program promises to increase the number of Ohio retailers selling E85 and B20 soy biodiesel, which is good for everyone involved, and I commend Governor Strickland for including this initiative in his budget."

Qualified retailers will receive funding that can be used to purchase and install new infrastructure equipment, such as pumps and tanks. Funds can also be obtained to help cover the costs of converting existing infrastructure to be compatible with E85 and/or B20 soy biodiesel. These funds are not allowed to be used to purchase used equipment or to reimburse the retailer for existing equipment.

Some funding will also be available for educational and promotional materials and activities that target potential E85 or B20 soy biodiesel consumers and fuel marketers. Applicants will be required to have a comprehensive marketing plan.

Steve Lankenau of American Ag Fuels in Defiance says that programs like this one are very helpful to the soy biodiesel industry, but are just the beginning. "I believe what the state of Ohio has done so far is a great start, but we are still behind some of our neighbors," he said. "We need to encourage more of these programs and continue the funding to further develop this industry."

In order to qualify for funding, Ohio retailers must apply through the ODOD/OEO, and meet the minimum established requirements. Applications will be accepted until all funds have been committed.

Requirement details, along with the application forms, can be found on the ODOD/OEO website at www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/oee/transportation.htm.

The Ohio Soybean Association is governed by a 24-member volunteer farmer board dedicated to education and promotion, as well as to uniting producer interest through support of legislative activities beneficial to the Ohio soybean industry.

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