FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 7, 2003
DIAMOND BAR, Calif. -- While efforts continue to find additional ways to significantly reduce air pollution in the Southland, a local organization announced today that it is offering more than $10.5 million to help fund projects to reduce vehicle emissions.
Refueling infrastructure for clean alternative fuels, advanced technology buses, alternative- fuel trucks and off-road heavy equipment such as bulldozers all can qualify to receive funding from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC). The MSRC also is requesting proposals to create commuter bus pools for the region.
The funding comes from a $4 surcharge on vehicle license fees, collected annually by the Department of Motor Vehicles, specifically to be used for local projects designed to reduce air pollution from mobile sources such as cars, trucks and buses. Thirty cents of every surcharge dollar goes into the MSRC fund. Local governments, government agencies, private-sector businesses and research institutions are among those eligible to apply for funding. Local governments, which also receive funding directly from the vehicle surcharge (40 cents from every dollar), are also eligible for matching funds from the MSRC for such projects as alternative fuel infrastructure and vehicles, park-and- ride lot improvements, and even videoconferencing to help reduce the need for travel to meetings. MSRC Funding Page 2
Funding allocated by category includes the following: • Alternative fuel infrastructure ($1.25 million available) Provides co-funding to defray the capital cost of constructing new, publicly accessible alternative fuel refueling stations that are strategically located within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) • Alternative fuel/advanced technology transit buses ($1.5 million available) Provides co- funding for the purchase of new, full-size alternative fuel or hybrid-electric transit buses, including articulated and “coach style” buses. Funds also are available for supporting services including refueling infrastructure, maintenance facility modifications, and specialized mechanic training to support the new vehicles. • On-road heavy-duty vehicles ($2.0 million available) Provides co-funding for new alternative-fuel on-road heavy-duty vehicles, as well as the supporting services. • Off-road heavy-duty vehicles ($2.0 million available) Provides co-funding for purchasing new alternative-fuel off-road heavy-duty vehicles, or re-powering with new certified clean engines for existing diesel equipment that currently has no emission controls. Co-funding for alternative fuel infrastructure also is available when linked with vehicle purchases.
The MSRC has allocated $800,000 to fund the development and coordination of a regional program to create new commuter bus pools.
Requests for Proposals (RFPs) were released today, with proposals due by January 30, 2004. Funds could flow as early as April 2004.
The MSRC also announced plans to implement additional programs over the next several months, including $2 million in incentives to purchase compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered school buses, $750,000 for CNG taxicabs and shuttles, $200,000 for home fueling equipment for CNG vehicles and $500,000 to retrofit existing diesel vehicles with devices that have been certified to reduce emissions.
To download the RFPs, log onto http://cleantransportationfunding.org. The RFPs provide full descriptions of the programs and process for seeking funding. For more information, bidders conferences will take place in early December.
The Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) was formed in 1990 when Assembly Bill AB 2766 was signed into law authorizing the $4 motor vehicle registration fee in the four- county South Coast Air Basin. Approximately $12 million is allocated annually.
Membership of the MSRC is made up of representatives from the transportation agencies of Riverside, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange County, as well as the Southern California Association of Governments, Southern California Rideshare, California Air Resources Board and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. ####