There are more than 48,000 Flex Fuel Vehicles in Mississippi, and for the first time, a public facility will offer an E85 option in the Magnolia State. Ford's Fuel will sell E85, which is a blend of 85 percent Ethanol and 15 percent petroleum.

"We appreciate (former) Vice-President Gore and the work that he's done to clean our environment. And we're trying to help. So to reduce the levels that are in the atmosphere, ethanol is the best choice of fuels today," said station owner, Don Evans.

Because Ford's Fuel is located at the Ford's Ice Cream Museum on West Church Street, the museum, which opens later this year, will offer visitors a look at both the past and the future.

About 20,000 cars travel Interstate 20 through Newton daily. Officials say they hope it will bring more traffic downtown.

"I really believe that it will help increase our economy," said Newton Mayor Michael Pickens. "And people can see the community and maybe even come and live with us here."

"We are trying to restore a memory here in newton, Miss., of Ford's Ice cream that delivered to 22 counties in Mississippi some of the best ice cream ever made," Evans said.

Jo Jeff Ford, the granddaughter of the founder of Ford's Ice Cream, says this is a very special day for the Ford family.

"When the interstate came through, we had to close the ice cream parlor because we didn't have enough business to keep it open," said Ford. "So now maybe the people will come off the interstate to get the gas, plus eat some ice cream and everything and go through the museum."

The opening of Ford's Fuel was scheduled for right after the ribbon cutting Wednesday, but was delayed until about 3:30 p.m.