Biofuel financial assistance appropriation

This bill appropriates funds from the general fund for grants to Minnesota retail gas stations that sell fuel for vehicles manufactured after 2000. The grants help upgrade equipment to dispense E25 biofuel, covering up to 65% of costs (max $200,000 per station), to meet state biofuel goals. Eligible stations must have no more than ten locations in Minnesota and replace non-certified equipment. The commissioner must report annually on funded projects, including geographic distribution, metrics on leveraged funding, and support for minority- or women-owned businesses. The program directly supports fuel retailers expanding biofuel access while tracking program impact.