DIAMOND BAR, Calif., (February 15, 2002) The Mobile Source Air Pollution Review Committee is looking for a few good ideas. Each year, the MSRC, a committee responsible for funding clean air projects that reduce air pollution in Southern California, awards millions of dollars for projects that decrease emissions from mobile sources – in other words, cars, trucks or buses.
Although the MSRC recently approved approximately $18 million for projects slated for this year, the committee is already beginning to plan for the next round of funding for fiscal year 2002- 03. "We afford opportunities for the creative and innovative," said William G. Kleindienst, chairman of the MSRC and mayor of Palm Springs. "We welcome ideas that fit into our parameters for funding."
For example, the MSRC has funded projects ranging from alternative fuel transit buses and heavy- duty vehicles, electric bicycles, ridesharing projects and incentives toward the purchase of ultra-low emission and electric vehicles. One of the best ways to suggest clean air programs for future funding by the MSRC is through the committee’s website at www.msrc-cleanair.org. Launched last summer, MSRC’s website offers an archive of funded projects, agendas of upcoming meetings and links to more than 30 other air pollution-related sites. It also encourages the public to submit ideas on clean air programs. "A fast and easy way to submit an idea for consideration is to go to our website and click on the suggestion box," said Kleindienst. " Our website is intended to be both a resource for information about innovative clean air projects as well as a forum for the public to communicate directly with the MSRC," said Kleindienst.
To be considered, project suggestions need to be sent to the MSRC no later than April 10, 2002. The MSRC will then adopt a draft work program for FY 2002-03 that earmarks funding for different types of clean air programs.
For more information about the MSRC and to make suggestions for clean air programs, visit the MSRC’s website at http://cleantransportationfunding.org or call (909) 396-2777.