Area ethanol-related projects received grant awards Thursday from the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program of the State of Iowa.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the grant awards which included projects in 46 counties worth nearly $4.59 million.

According to Naig, requests totaled $3,987,039.12 for 93 ethanol-related projects and $600,142.66 for 15 biodiesel-related projects.

Approved projects include $75,000 for Kwik Star in Webster County and $2,030.36 to Murphy Oil USA.

The Cubby’s locations in Sac and Calhoun counties each were awarded $75,000.

Pro Cooperative in Humboldt County was awarded grant funding for both an ethanol-related project and a biodiesel-related project.

“These investments are about making it easier and more affordable for Iowans to choose homegrown fuels at the pump,” said Naig. “By helping fuel retailers upgrade and modernize their infrastructure, we are expanding access to E15 and biodiesel, supporting local jobs, and benefiting Iowa communities. These projects also help ensure fuel stations are prepared to meet Iowa’s E15 Access Standard and serve their customers well into the future.”

Since the cost-share grant program began in 2006, Iowa has invested nearly $70 million toward expanding renewable fuels infrastructure. This investment has been matched by approximately $280 million from Iowa convenience stores and fuel retailers.

Renewable Fuels Grants

Webster County: Kwik Star, $75,000

Webster County: Murphy Oil USA, $2,030.36

Sac County: Cubby’s, $75,000

Humboldt County: Kimmes Enterprises, $7,224.99

Humboldt County: Pro Cooperative, $42,624.09

Humboldt County: Pro Cooperative, $59,351.62

Calhoun County: Cubby’s, $75,000

Calhoun County: Kimmes Enterprises, $6,646.31