Ethanol Infrastructure Grant Program

The Nebraska Corn Board Ethanol Infrastructure Grant Program is intended to incentivize Nebraska fuel retailers to add mid- and upper-level ethanol blends for their customers. The program recognizes that retailers may incur additional costs when upgrading infrastructure to accommodate blender pumps and therefore provides financial assistance toward eligible fuel dispensing equipment and potentially a portion of associated construction costs. The broader objective is to accelerate the use and availability of E15, E30, E85, and other ethanol fuel blends in Nebraska as clean-burning, renewable alternatives to conventional gasoline. The Nebraska Corn Board states that ethanol-blended fuels can improve air quality, reduce harmful toxic carcinogens in the environment, support the rural economy, and save consumers money at the pump. Grant funding is structured according to the ethanol blends a participating retail location will offer. The Nebraska Corn Board may provide up to $75,000 per accepted retail location that utilizes E15 and two higher blends, up to $50,000 per accepted retail location that utilizes E15 and one higher blend, and up to $25,000 for retailers focusing solely on E15 infrastructure. Eligible grant-funded equipment and work include tanks, piping, electrical work related to dispenser installation, dispensers with at least a UL 87A E25 listing, pumps, and signage. The guidelines do not state an overall program funding amount, a specified number of awards, or a required applicant cost share or matching percentage. Eligible applicants are Nebraska fuel retailers undertaking qualifying ethanol infrastructure projects. Applications must be reviewed and approved before construction begins. Installed dispensers must have at least a UL 87A E25 listing, and participating retailers must comply with all applicable federal and state labeling requirements. Retailers must also have signage visible from the road that lists the price of at least two higher ethanol blends. A retailer accepting Nebraska Corn Board grant funds must offer flex fuels such as E15, E30, and/or E85 for a minimum of two years following the project's completion date. The guidelines do not identify additional organizational eligibility classifications, minimum operating history, ownership requirements, or other applicant qualifications. Applications are accepted only through the online application identified by the Nebraska Corn Board at https://form.jotform.com/262215988518064. Retailers must submit bids related to the proposed project as part of the application in order to be considered eligible for program grant dollars. The guidelines do not identify a separate letter of intent, concept paper, pre-proposal, or other pre-application gating requirement. They also do not provide an application opening date or describe additional required narrative questions or attachments beyond the requirement to submit project-related bids. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. CST on October 30, 2026. Applications will be reviewed by the Nebraska Corn Board Market Development Committee. In its review, the committee will give preference to projects in areas underserved by higher ethanol blends and/or locations with potential traffic flow. The source does not provide a separate award notification date. Because construction cannot begin until an application has been reviewed and approved, applicants should obtain approval before commencing project construction. All funded work must be completed by May 28, 2027. After project completion, selected retailers must submit all invoices and photographs confirming completion of the project and invoice the Nebraska Corn Board for the agreed grant amount. Once the Nebraska Corn Board has received the invoices and the retailer has met all program requirements, reimbursement will be made within 30 days by ACH payment or check. The source lists the Nebraska Corn Board's general telephone number as (402) 471-2676 and provides the program website at https://nebraskacorn.gov/corn-101/corn-uses/ethanol/.

Do not begin construction before Nebraska Corn Board review and approval. The Market Development Committee gives preference to areas underserved by higher ethanol blends and/or locations with potential traffic flow. Ensure proposed dispensers meet the minimum UL 87A E25 listing and account for required signage, labeling compliance, and the two-year flex-fuel commitment.