A new distribution center for bio-diesel fuel is open in Dubuque. The plant will have capacity to store 30-thousand gallons of pure soybean oil, and Grant Kimberly with the Iowa Soybean Association says it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel fuel.
Kimberly says availability’s the key — if the fuel is made available to other petroleum retailers out there, they’ll offer it to their customers. He adds that with new tax incentives passed this year by Iowa lawmakers, it’ll be more cost-competitive for customers considering buying it.
The Infrastructure Grant Program of the Iowa Values Fund is overseen by Iowa Renewable Fuels and will put 25-thousand dollars in cost-share funding toward the building and marketing of the bio-diesel distribution center. It’s to be built in Tamarack Business Park in Dubuque.
Kimberly says some private funding also went into the mix to make the center possible. The Iowa Soybean Association’s providing some money to help West Central Soy market and distribute the bio-diesel, and the Iowa Clean Cities Coalition also provided some funding. The business park hosted an open house for the facility Tuesday.