Michigan Clean Diesel Request for Projects Grant Application are Available
Published: Tuesday, November 9, 2010 7:00 am
By: Department of Natural Resources and Environment
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is now accepting grant applications for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) 2010-2011 Request for Projects (RFP) Competition which runs now through Nov. 29. Approximately $1 million in grant funding is available for this RFPcompetition.
The purpose of DERA is to encourage owners and operators of diesel engine vehicles and equipment to find ways to upgrade their engines so that less efficient diesel engines are retired and cleaner-burning engines are used. Cleaner-burning diesel engines help reduce the overall levels of particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and carbondioxide pollutants that come out of the exhaust pipe of vehicles and equipment that use diesel fuel.
Diesel engine emissions can contribute to health problems such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses and cancer. The DERA is a part of a larger United States Environmental Protection Agency-initiated National Clean Diesel Campaign. The purpose of this campaign is to reduce the overall level of pollutants that negatively impact human health and the environment.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for grant funds from municipalities, townships, and villages, county and non-profit agencies, school districts, municipal planning organizations and private industry. Projects must belocated in one or more of 30 Michigan counties where implementation of diesel engine emissions reduction projects would be most beneficial. Projects that focus on non-road, high use, continuously operated, or location-specific diesel engines (such as stationary equipment), and projects that can be implemented within the following municipal communities of Allen Park, Dearborn, Detroit, Ecorse, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, Southgate, Taylor, and Wyandotte are highly encouraged.
All projects must utilize EPA- or California Air Resources Board-verified technology solutions which include anti-idling and retrofit equipment, aerodynamic technologies, and engine, vehicle and equipment upgrades or replacements. The type of diesel engine fleets covered under this RFP include: school buses; medium and heavy duty trucks; buses, and marine, agricultural, energy production, mining and construction vehicles, and equipment.
The RFP is available online by visiting the state clean diesel coalition, Michigan Clean Diesel Initative's (MiCDI), website at www.michigan.gov/air and selecting "Clean Diesel Initiative in Michigan" from the middle of the page. For further information, contact Donna Davis at [email protected] or 517-335-2784.
The DNRE is committed to the conservation, protection, management and accessible use of the state's environment, natural resources and related economic interests for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnre.
