MGPUB Seeks Partners Interested in
Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Grant Funding
The Maryland Grain
Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) is seeking companies
interested in participating in a joint grant submission to
the US Department of Energy for the development of
alternative fuel infrastructure – both retail and terminal.
This
is in preparation of the 2011 DOE Clean Cities Grant
Solicitation due out in March or April. It is our goal to
have partners pre-approved through this process so the grant
can be written and submitted in a timely fashion. Project
information (see below for specifics) is due to Jill
Hamilton, Project Manager, no later than midnight, April 15,
2011.
The objective of the infrastructure
project is to displace on-highway petroleum-based fuel.
We
anticipate MGPUB will choose
five to six
partners/locations to include in the DOE grant proposal with
each asking DOE for $10,000 to $100,000.
By participating
in this process and submitting project information, we
do not
guarantee participation in the MGPUB grant proposal or
funding from DOE.
MGPUB administers the Maryland's Grain
Check-off Program. The Check-off Program has been in effect
since October 1, 1991 and collects a half a percent of the
net value of grain sold. MGPUB has supported alternative
fuels in the region since 1991 and currently manages the
2009 DOE Clean Cities grant. Grant funding was used to
install E85, biodiesel, and propane retail infrastructure in
Maryland and Virginia.
2011 Grant Expectations
The MGPUB proposal will include
projects that are technically feasible and set to begin soon
after
DOE funds are awarded -- no sooner than September 30, 2011.
Based on prior DOE
infrastructure solicitations, we expect the grant to require
each partner to provide a minimum of a fifty percent (50%)
match or more. Companies must be willing to work closely
with their Clean Cities coordinator on promotion and grand
opening events ($2,000 to $5,000 paid through grant funds)
and report quarterly to MGPUB on progress and fuel sales. If
the grant is awarded to MGPUB, each partner will be asked to
sign a contract and complete at a minimum a National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) questionnaire and checklist.
Project
funds would then be dispensed through reimbursement and only
after the project is complete.
Two major
components of a successful application are the amount of
petroleum displaced in relation to infrastructure costs and
the total project cost-share.
In addition, for biodiesel, we
understand DOE has an interest in projects where the company
can prove a nexus between the biodiesel terminal, retail
stations and vehicles fueling on B20.
If you are interested in participating in
this infrastructure grant process and partnering with MGPUB,
please provide the information listed below to Jill Hamilton
by April 15, 2011:
1.
Company contact
information
2.
Site location
for proposed terminal/retail location
3.
Type of
site/facility [terminal, retail (B20, E85, blender pump --
must have public access and card-lock system accessible)]
a.
If biodiesel
retail, will there be a commitment of B20?
b.
If location
does not provide for retail sales (i.e. a terminal), will
there be B20 and/or E85 sold to local stations and fleets?
4.
Annual volume
projections
5.
Project
description
6.
Brief marketing
plan
7.
Estimated
project costs
8.
List of
relevant project funders, if any.
9.
Projected
start and completion date (project
cannot start prior to September 30, 2011)
10.
Status of
permitting and design process
11.
Contact
information for the closest Clean Cities coordinator to site
location
MGPUB has been
successful in receiving the 2009 DOE Clean Cities
infrastructure grant among others, and we look forward to
continuing to support alternative fuel infrastructure in
2011. Again, for additional information please contact Jill
Hamilton, Project Manager, at 703-322-4484 or
jhamilton@sesi-online.com.
