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BIOTENN News Release

For immediate release November 30, 2007

TDOT Now Accepting "Green Island" Biofuels Corridor Grant Applications

Grants Provide Funds to Help Retail Fuel Stations Install Biofuel Infrastructure

Nashville - The Tennessee Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the next round of Green Island Corridor Network grants. The deadline to apply for the grants is February 15, 2008. The Green Island grant program is a competitive funding opportunity available to retail fuel station owners and farmer co-ops interested in promoting and selling biofuels.

The goal of the Green Island Grant Program is to establish a statewide network of publicly accessible B20 and E85 refueling stations, particularly along interstates and major highways. This project will encourage and expand the use of biofuels in Tennessee, help reduce vehicle emissions and protect public health, and help Tennessee's farmers and agricultural community.

This grant program will assist a limited number of retail fuel stations with the capital costs of converting or installing fuel storage tanks and dispensing equipment to sell B20 and/or E85. The maximum grant award is $45,000 per E85 or B20 fuel system. Retail station owners must provide at least 20% of the capital cost.

The grant application deadline is February 15, 2008. For more information about the Green Island Corridor Network grant program or to view the project application package, visit the TDOT website at www.tn.gov/tdot/biofuel/application.htm

Biodiesel is a clean, renewable fuel produced from vegetable oils, such as soybeans, or animal fats. Pure biodiesel is nontoxic and biodegradable. B20 is a mixture of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel and can be used in almost all diesel engines without modifications.

Ethanol is a clean, renewable fuel currently produced primarily from corn in the U.S. E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent unleaded gasoline. E85 is a high-octane, high-performance fuel that can be used only in flexible fuel vehicles that are capable of burning either conventional gasoline or blends containing up to 85 percent ethanol.

For more information on Tennessee's work to promote the production and use of alternative fuels in the state visit www.biotenn.org.