SEC. 5 higher blends infrastructure incentive program grant - IRA

The Department of Agriculture Rural Business Cooperative Services awarded $615,000 to Ashby Equity Association on May 11, 2026, under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (CFDA 10.754), a Project Grant to support conversion of transportation fueling and fuel distribution facilities for compatibility with higher ethanol and biodiesel blends.

The funding supports upgrade or installation of equipment at the Ashby, Minnesota facility to enable safe handling and dispensing of fuels containing ethanol blends greater than 10 percent or biodiesel blends greater than 5 percent. Eligible costs include fuel dispenser upgrades (gas and diesel pumps and attached equipment), underground storage tank system components (tanks, pumps, ancillary equipment, lines, gaskets, and sealants), and other infrastructure required to ensure environmental safety and full equipment compatibility with higher-blend renewable fuels.

The award carries a period of performance through May 11, 2028. Construction must be completed within 18 months following full execution of the grant agreement. Recipients must maintain point-of-sales information and records demonstrating UST system compatibility for five years following construction completion and must notify the implementing agency 30 days before storing fuel containing more than 20 percent biodiesel or more than 10 percent ethanol.