The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the availability of $55 million of fiscal year 2017 funds for the purchase or lease of low- or no-emission vehicles, as well as related equipment or facilities.
Only $31.5 million is available under the continuing resolution that expires on April 28, the agency notes.
According to the FTA, the main purpose of the Low-No Program is to support the transition of the nation’s transit fleet to the lowest polluting and most energy-efficient transit vehicles. The Low-No Program provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, including acquisition, construction and leasing of required supporting facilities.
As reported, an eligible applicant is a designated recipient of FTA grants, states, local governmental authorities and Indian Tribes.
Eligible projects in an eligible area include those that do the following:
- Purchase or lease low- or no-emission buses;
- Acquire low- or no-emission buses with a leased power source;
- Construct or lease facilities and related equipment for low- or no-emission buses;
- Construct new public transportation facilities to accommodate low- or no-emission buses; and
- Rehabilitate or improve existing public transportation facilities to accommodate low- or no-emission buses.
Applicants must submit proposals electronically by 5 p.m. E.T. on June 26.
