DIAMOND BAR, Calif., (July 18, 2001) — Clean trucks, school buses and an online bicycle route mapping system are among the categories eligible for funding under a $13.7 million program administered by the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC). The MSRC is a committee responsible for funding transportation projects that reduce air pollution in the South Coast Air District.
Each year, the MSRC funds projects in specific categories aimed at reducing pollution from mobile sources such as cars, trucks and buses. Local governments, government agencies, businesses, research institutions and individuals are encouraged to apply.
“We are looking to increase the number of new alternative fuel trucks and buses on our streets as well as help clean up dirtier, more polluting heavy-duty diesel vehicles,” said MSRC Chairman William Kleindienst. “The MSRC is also looking to fund several innovative programs including an online bicycle route mapping system, carpooling to rail stations and promotion of vanpools.”
Proposals most likely to be funded are those that offer significant and measurable emissions reductions and are cost effective, added Kleindienst. “We are also looking for projects that offer co-funding in order to extend our financial resources as far as possible,” he said.
This year’s eligible categories are:
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) School Bus Buydown $2 million is available to alternative fuel school bus manufacturers to participate in a buy-down program. The program will provide a $50,000 buydown incentive per CNG school bus. Alternative Fuel Transit Bus Program A total of $3 million is available to co-fund the purchase of new, low-emissions, 35 to 40- foot alternative fuel transit buses in lieu of, diesel- fueled buses. Refueling infrastructure, maintenance facility modifications and specialized fleet mechanic training are also eligible for funding.
On and Off-Road Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program Provides $2.5 million to help purchase new alternative-fuel on-road/off-road heavy-duty vehicles (14,000 gross vehicle weight or greater). Also helps repower existing off-road heavy-duty vehicles with uncontrolled diesel engines with cleaner diesel fuel engines. Co- funding for fueling infrastructure, maintenance facility modifications and specialized fleet mechanic training is also available when linked to vehicle purchases.
Transportation Control Measures ($1.7 million total): Regional Bicycle Locker Program – Seeking proposals for the planning and construction of at least 200 secure bicycle lockers throughout the four counties in the South Coast Basin.
Internet-Based Bicycle Mapping & Routing System –Soliciting proposals for the development, implementation and maintenance of an internet- based bicycle trip planning program. This program will support bicycle commuting by identifying bike-friendly routes and providing related information such as location of bike lockers, multi-modal facilities and points of interest. Regional Guaranteed Ride Home Program – Soliciting proposals for an employer- based guaranteed ride home program. The pilot program will serve as a marketable model for enhancing existing rideshare programs and for promoting the creation of new rideshare programs
Corridor Commuter Vanpool Demonstration Program – Seeking proposals that promote new and existing vanpools through incentives and direct marketing efforts targeted along commuter corridors. “Rideshare to Rails” Commuter Rail Station Incentive Program – Requesting proposals to promote ridesharing and increased use of commuter rail lines by providing incentives for carpooling to rail stations with parking shortages.
The MSRC 2001-02 work program will also include these elements:
Local Government Match Program ($2 million available)– Counties and most cities in the South Coast Basin can receive matching funds for investing in alternative fuel programs, such as clean fuel vehicles and refueling stations. Eligible fuels include compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and propane.
Diesel Particulate Trap Retrofit Program ($1 million available) – This program will offset the cost of retrofitting qualified diesel heavy- duty vehicles with state-certified low-sulfur diesel particulate traps, and provides funds to defray the higher cost of low-sulfur fuel.
Buydown Incentive for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Hybrid Vehicles ($1.5 million available) – This program, to be administered by the California Energy Commission, will reduce the manufacturers’ retail sticker price for qualifying CNG light-duty vehicles by $3,000 and for qualifying hybrid gasoline/electric vehicles by $500.
To apply for funding, applicants must follow the Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Qualification (RFQ) process. Applicants may apply in more than one category, but must submit a separate proposal for each. Bidders’ conferences, which help applicants understand and complete the process, will be held July 31 and August1. Proposals are due no later than 5 p.m. on August 31 and the work program is slated for approval in November. Contracts are expected to be executed between January and June of 2002.