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State & Local Projects

Diesel Emission Reduction Grant

Section: Division A, Title VII | Agency: Dept. of Environmental Protection

A portion of funds will be used to contract for the purchase and installation of diesel oxidation catalyst retrofits for public school district bus fleets ($980,000); other funds will be awarded through grants or cooperative agreements to electrify Florida truck stops in order to reduce truck idlings ($500,000). The remaining funding ($250,000) will be awarded in the form of rebates for installation of auxiliary power units in trucks to reduce the need for idling.

Brief description of program or funding including funding distribution method (formula or competitive grant):    Funds are initially allotted to the states equally based on ARRA.  (Florida may obtain additional funds, based on availability resulting from other states’ usage of funds.)  A portion of the funds will be used to contract for the purchase and installation of diesel oxidation catalyst retrofits for public school district bus fleets; other funds will be awarded through grants or cooperative agreements to electrify Florida truck stops in order to reduce truck idling and, in turn, diesel emissions.  The remaining moneys will be awarded in the form of rebates for installation of auxiliary power units in trucks to reduce the need for idling.

When funds are expected to be available:   EPA awarded Florida’s allotments grant in April 2009.

How long are funds available: Funds must be drawn down by September 30, 2010.

Conditions or prerequisites for accessing funds (include matching or MOE requirements):   No state match is required to access funds. Funding prerequisites vary. School bus retrofits will be targeted to previously unfunded school districts, on buses that have the longest remaining service life, in districts with the greatest financial need and where high ozone and particulate levels have been measured, particularly the Florida Panhandle and Tampa Bay areas. First-come, first served rebates will be $1,500 to any Florida-based owner operator of an on-road Class 8 heavy duty commercial diesel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight greater than 33,001 lbs and equipped with a sleeper berth who purchases and installs an auxiliary power unit. The number of rebates to an owner will be limited. Private contractors will be invited to submit proposals for the installation of truck stop electrification (TSE) units at private Florida truck/rest stops along expressways. Stimulus-related budget authority is required for SFY 2009-10.