EPA Seeks Applicants for Diesel Reduction Grants
The Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) notified its members that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting proposals for projects to reduce diesel emissions from various transportation modes. Passenger vessels are eligible to compete, as are trucking companies, school bus fleets, locomotives, and off-road construction vehicles. The agency anticipates that about $32m will be awarded nationwide under the fiscal 2011 Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grant program. This represents a substantial reduction from fiscal 2010 funding. A grant can be used to replace an existing vessel diesel engine with a modern low-emissions engine or to install other pollution-abatement technology (for example, an after-treatment system). Generally, the EPA grant will cover 75%.
EPA Grant Could Help Vessel Operators
A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program is receiving proposals for grants to be used to reduce emissions from existing diesel engines used in various transportation modes, including marine. Grants can be used for up to 75 percent of the cost of repowering marine vessels with cleaner engines (there must be a non-federal cost share of at least 25 percent). Proposals must be submitted by December 8. A publicly-owned ferry system is eligible to submit a proposal on its own. In most situations, a private vessel operator is not eligible to apply by itself. However, if a privately-owned ferry vessel is being leased or otherwise made available to a public entity, it may compete for a grant, but the public agency has to be the applicant.
Navy Seeks Ferry Vessel
The Passenger Vessel Association notified its members that the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) has issued a Market Survey to ask about the cost and availability of U.S. ferry vessels. Anticipated delivery will occur on October 1, although the vessel owner may propose alternate delivery dates. The location of proposed usage will be Guam, Saipan and adjacent Pacific Ocean waters. The time charter will be for 12 months, with the possibility for three additional year-long renewals. The closing date for responding to the Market Survey is July 14, 2009. PVA has a copy of the Navy’s full document with the Market Survey. Contact Ed Welch at PVA Headquarters at 1-800-807-8360 ext. 27 or [email protected]. For further questions, contact Ms.
