Governor Rell: $8.8 Million in Competitive Grants

Available to Reduce Diesel Emissions

Opportunities Exist to Retrofit Municipal Fleets, Construction Vehicles

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that nearly $8.8 million in federal stimulus grants is available for municipalities, businesses and other groups that want to reduce harmful diesel emissions in their fleet vehicles and equipment. These grants are competitive and will be awarded up to $2 million.

“These competitive grants present a tremendous opportunity for both the public and private sector to make important strides in clean energy and green technologies,” Governor Rell said. “This initiative promotes healthier communities while investing in our emerging green collar workforce. It is a chance to move that project on a ‘green’ wish list one step closer to reality and really make a difference for our environment.”

The $8.79 million is available for New England states through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and is part of the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. Up to 10 grants will be awarded and to qualify for these funds, applicants must have projects ranging in value between $500,000 and $2 million.

Governor Rell said the state Department of Environmental Protection is offering technical assistance for the application process. The deadline for applications is April 28.

“I strongly encourage all eligible entities to apply,” Governor Rell said. “These initiatives are a perfect complement to our statewide effort to reduce diesel emissions using stimulus funds.”

The state is already slated to get its own federal stimulus grant of $1.73 million for three innovative projects aimed at cutting diesel emissions and creating jobs.

The proposed projects and funding amounts are:

·        Diesel Vehicle Retrofit – This program will retrofit approximately 170 Department of Transportation diesel vehicles and pieces of construction equipment used on highway projects. In addition, airport shuttle buses, snow plowing equipment and dump trucks will also be evaluated for retrofits within the DOT fleet. The vehicles will receive diesel oxidation catalysts which result in lower emissions. Allocation: $3,000 per piece of equipment, totaling $510,000

·        Truck Stop Electrification – This project at the Port of New Haven will establish a truck stop electrification (TSE) parking area to relieve a long-standing problem caused by idling trucks waiting for gate access to deliver or pick up goods. TSE units allow truck drivers to have heat, air conditioning and electricity for in-cab appliances without running their truck engines. The neighborhoods around the Port of New Haven have long been plagued by emissions from trucks waiting in line to pick up or deliver cargo. Allocation: $380,256

·        Locomotive Engine Repower – This project will replace a traditional, high-emitting diesel locomotive engine operated by the Providence and Worcester Rail Road in New Haven with low emission generators and diesel particulate filters. This project will be the first of its kind in Connecticut. Given the long lifespan of locomotive engines, this project will yield significant emission reductions for many years to come. Allocation: $750,000

For more information on the Clean Diesel Funding program and the ARRA Connecticut, visit the official state stimulus Web site at www.ct.gov and click on the CT Recovery link. Available grants are listed under the Funding Opportunities link.