Officials predicts a seven-fold increase — more than 500 flex-fuel pumps at gas stations around Minnesota — the result of an eight-million-dollar federal grant. The state Ag Department’s Kevin Hennessey says the goal is that ethanol blends become mainstream at certain stations, “not just a cult following in the corner.” The state Ag Department is currently accepting applications from retailers, and Hennessey says awards will be higher to stations that convert more pumps to flex-fuel.