News Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2007

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher announced today the initial grant awards from the Alternative Fuel Transportation Grant Program in the amount of $595,000 to 12 alternative fuel retailers and two biodiesel blending facilities. The Alternative Fuel Transportation Grant Program was established by the House Bill 245, sponsored by Representative Reinhard (R-82), for the purpose of improving air quality through grants to businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools systems, or local governments for the purchase and installation of alternative fuel refueling, blending or distribution facilities, and terminals.

"These grants are designed to assist in the commercialization of alternative fuels, helping farmers, retailers and consumers by addressing both the supply and demand barriers often associated with emerging industries," said Lt. Governor Fisher who also serves as the Director of the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD). "The strategic placement of these new ethanol refueling and biodiesel blending locations will increase the availability of alternative fuels throughout Ohio and serve as a catalyst for future retail and wholesale growth."

The 12 alternative fuel retailers receiving awards include nine Speedway stations located in Columbus, Fairborn, Kettering, Wadsworth, Garfield Heights, Springfield, Mt. Healthy and Macedonia with each receiving $20,000 in grant assistance. Additional grants were awarded to the Francis Group's Sunoco Station, located in Parma, which was awarded $15,000; Glockner Oil, located in Portsmouth, which received a $20,000 grant; and Village Farm, located in Sylvania receiving $20,000.

Circleville Oil, located in Circleville and American Ag Fuels, located in Dayton each received $180,000 in grant assistance for enhancements to their biodiesel blending facilities.

Alternative fuel proposals were reviewed on a competitive basis by the Ohio Department of Development's Office of Energy Efficiency. ODOD will issue a new Notice of Funds mid April 2007 that will focus on available incentives designed to encourage more retail alternative fuel locations in Ohio. Guidelines and application forms will be posted online at http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/oee/transportation.htm.

The Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) works with individuals, communities, non-profit organizations, businesses large and small, industry, and other government agencies to achieve its vision of a robust economy supported by multiple energy sources, energy efficiency, and advanced technology with added value for the quality of life for all Ohioans.

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Media Contacts: Nikki Jaworski (614) 466-9161 or Maria Smith (614) 466-2382