Breaking News - Press Release - March 24, 2008

AIR DISTRICT OFFERS GRANTS FOR CLEANER
HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT

Victorville – The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) is now accepting proposals for up to $377,419 in grants for projects that reduce smog-forming emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and other mobile diesel equipment operated in the High Desert portion of San Bernardino County and Riverside County’s Palo Verde Valley.

On-road and off road heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, agricultural water pumps, forklifts and locomotives are eligible for repower or retrofit through the Carl Moyer Program. Under the state program, funds are disbursed to local entities via participating air districts for the purpose of offsetting the incremental cost of replacing heavy-duty diesel engines or equipment with cleaner vehicles and equipment, whose emissions fall below applicable state and federal standards. For example, a company may be able to purchase a new truck that meets the state’s minimum emission standards for $200,000 or buy a lower emission truck for $225,000. The offsetting cost ($25,000) necessary to purchase the lower emission truck is eligible for funding through the Moyer Program.

Proposals will be accepted through May 23, 2008 at 5:00PM. To obtain a Call for Projects package, or for more information, contact the MDAQMD at (760) 245-1661, ext. 5706, or visit the MDAQMD’s website at www.mdaqmd.ca.gov.