Wednesday, 8 April 2015

Green Transportation Grants

Grant funding is available to make driving less harmful to the environment.


The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates air pollution created by motor vehicle engines and the fuel used to power them. With increased regulation has come development of transportation fuels that create less pollution. In an effort to improve air quality, many states have initiated grant funding for projects aimed at making alternative fuel for vehicles more available to the public. Grant funding availability is cyclical and varies depending on money allocated by federal and state governments.


Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program


Grant funding is available through The California Energy Commission's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program for the creation of hydrogen fueling stations. Funding will reinforce existing investments, increase the amount of hydrogen fueling stations available to the public and vehicle fleets, and create basic systems needed for future expansion of the fueling station network. Eligible projects need to be located within the state of California and include new fueling pumps available for the retail sale of hydrogen for fuel cell and hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles. Projects focusing on improvement of current hydrogen fueling stations are also considered. The Energy Commission will share in the cost of each endeavor based on the total cost of the project. As an example, fueling stations costing $1 million will benefit from grant money covering 70 percent of the expense while a project over $3 million can only receive funds to pay for 40 percent of the total cost.


California Energy Commission


Media and Public Communications Office


1516 Ninth Street, MS-29


Sacramento, CA 95814


916-654-4287


energy.ca.gov


Clean Fuel Advanced Technology Funding


The North Carolina Department of Transportation administers funding for the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology Project. Eligible projects will create awareness about the benefits of alternative fuels for transportation, encourage the purchase of vehicles that use clean fuels, and promote expansion of fueling stations to support such vehicles. Grant funding will cover up to 80 percent of the cost of vehicles using compressed natural gas, propane or electricity. Projects that build refueling areas for alternative powered vehicles and proposals seeking to create cleaner air through retrofitting diesel engines with advanced fuel saving technology are eligible for funding. Consideration for grant awards include a projects cost compared to its environmental impact, likelihood of success, the amount of public awareness generated, the amount of funds the applicant will provide and other factors.


North Carolina Department of Transportation


Administration and Business Development


1 South Wilmington Street


Raleigh, NC 27601


919-715-0400


ncdot.org


Biofuel Green Island Corridor Grant Project


The Biofuel Green Island Corridor Grant Project is an effort by the Tennessee Department of Transportation to promote the use of B20 biodiesel and E85 ethanol fuel. Through continuing grants, this program will expand the amount of fueling stations available along interstate and other major roadways. The initiative's goal is to create biofuel re-filling areas distanced 100 miles or less apart along heavily traveled transportation routes. Operators of retail fueling stations may apply for funding to upgrade current equipment or install new storage and dispensing devices. Maximum award amounts are $45,000 for each type of biofuel available for sale. The grant program will reimburse a maximum of 80 percent of a projects cost. Applications for projects located in areas designated as a priority by the department of transportation will receive stronger consideration than those in less traveled regions.


Tennessee Department of Transportation


Green Island Biofuel Grants, Environmental Division


James K. Polk Building, Suite 900


505 Deaderick Street


Nashville, TN 37243


615-741-2848


state.tn.us

Tags: fueling stations, Grant funding, Department Transportation, Energy Commission, Green Island, hydrogen fueling