E-85 Gas Station Opens in Duplin County, 2nd in eastern North Carolina

[excerpted from WITN, reported by April Davis] The 16th ethanol E-85 gas station in the state opened on June 17, 2011, the second to open in eastern North Carolina. At the Magnolia Marketplace in Duplin County, just off of Interstate 40, flex fueled vehicles can now fill up with their intended alternative fuel. The E-85 fuel dispenser is the first one to open that's funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Organizers say it's important for these dispensers to continue to open across the state because ethanol fuel has a large potential to grow the economy of North Carolina.

"There's a lot of potential. There's never going to be potential that we'll produce petroleum in this county but there's great potential that we'll be able to grow the crops that make this fuel and that's what's exciting", said Anne Tazewell, N.C. State University.

The owner of the Magnolia Marketplace says having the dispenser open to the public is a 5-year dream come true.

Ribbon-cutting! Welcoming new E85 station in Magnolia, NC

A ribbon-cutting event for Magnolia Marketplace will take place on June 17 from 10-11. Already in operation, the Marketplace is the first E85 station to open under the Carolina Blue Skies Project. The impetus for the project came from Magnolia native Lounell Mainor, who wanted to contribute to improving air quality in her immediate environment. Ms. Lounell is truly a visionary and pillar of her community. The ribbon-cutting is open to the public, and local and state leaders will be in attendance to celebrate the opening. 1486 S. Kenansville Byp, I-40 exit 373. Refreshments will be served. RSVP and more info: NC Solar Center, 919-515-0352 or alascur@ncsu.edu.