The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is kicking off its Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) program on March 1, initiating a funding round of approximately $8 million in grants aimed at enabling fleets to purchase new alternative fuel vehicles or convert existing assets to run on alt fuels.
‘This program fosters both environmental improvement and economic development in Pennsylvania by encouraging the use of innovative, alternative energy technologies,’ says Chris Abruzzo, secretary of the DEP.
Both private/corporate and public fleets (e.g., school districts and municipalities) within the state are eligible for the grants. However, each application must meet a five-vehicle minimum, so the DEP has noted that smaller fleets or organizations that want to buy/convert only a couple alt-fuel vehicles can jointly apply for funding.
In terms of vehicle and fuel types, natural gas vehicles that weigh 26,000 lbs. GVW or less are eligible for purchase or conversion. Propane autogas and other alt-fuel vehicles, however, can be in any weight class.
In addition to grants for vehicles, the state is also accepting applications for ‘projects that include research, training, development and demonstration of new applications or next-phase technology related to alternative transportation fuels and alternative fuel vehicles.’
Applications are due May 30 by 4 p.m., and grants will be awarded this fall.
For more information, interested applicants can join a special webinar on March 11 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern. Click here for details.
