The Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has opened applications to replace old diesel vehicles across the state.
Applicants may include governments in North Carolina, as well as public or private nonprofit organizations and public-private partnerships. $12.9 million will be distributed.
The money is part of the the Volkswagen Settlement Grant agreement made between the German automaker and the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. North Carolina received $92 million to distribute in two phases.
Phase two will distribute $68 million and includes programs for school bus replacements and zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure (the schedule for future RFP releases is available online).
Under phase two, the Clean Heavy-Duty Equipment and Vehicle Program aims to reduce diesel emissions — including nitrogen oxide (NOx) — and provide cleaner alternatives.
Eligible vehicles/projects include:
- Class 4-8 local freight trucks
- Switcher locomotives
- forklifts
- Port cargo handling equipment
- Airport ground support equipment
- Repowers for freight switchers and ferries/tugs
- Shorepower to ocean-going vessels
Applications are open until Aug. 15. Two webinars will be hosted May 23 and June 7 by the division to provide more information on the process.
Also, the DAQ noted in a release: “Electrification projects qualify for additional points during the grant scoring process. Projects within the 37 counties identified as Historically Under-Resourced (listed in Appendix D of the RFP) are eligible for bonus project scoring points and additional technical support during the application process. DAQ is holding in-person meetings across the state to encourage eligible applicants in these counties to apply for funding.”
More information can be found by emailing [email protected] with subject “Clean Heavy-Duty Program RFP” prior to submitting an application and in advance of the submission deadline.
Information can also be accessed here.
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