$14.5 Million Available for Projects to Reduce Vehicle Pollution
23 August 2000
DIAMOND BAR, Calif. - Alternative fuel transit buses, heavy-duty on- and off-road vehicles, and electric bicycles are among the categories eligible for funding under a $14.5 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 Southern California.
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.
"Pollution from mobile sources has the greatest detrimental effect on the quality of our air," said William G. Kleindienst, chairman of the MSRC and mayor of Palm Springs. "That's poison coming out of our tailpipes."
Kleindienst stressed that the proposals most likely to be funded are those that include significant, measurable emissions reductions, demonstrate cost effectiveness and have verified co-funding. "The MSRC provides financial assistance for projects that provide the greatest reduction in emissions and thereby protect our air," he said.
Kleindienst drives his own alternate fuel vehicle. "I don't buy gasoline anymore," he said. "I know, with complete certainty, that compressed natural gas is a viable fuel. I have complete freedom of movement through Southern California."
This year's eligible categories are:
| -- | Alternative Fuel Transit Bus Program $4.25 million is available to help purchase low-emission 35- to 40-foot alternative fuel transit buses. Also eligible are refueling infrastructure and specialized fleet mechanic training. |
| -- | On- and Off-Road Heavy Duty Vehicle Program $3.25 million for co-funding of new alternative fuel on- and off-road vehicles (14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or greater). Replacing uncontrolled diesel engines in existing off-road heavy duty vehicles with state-certified diesel fuel engines is also eligible. Co-funding for infrastructure is available when linked with a vehicle purchase. |
| -- | Transportation Control Measures ($1.0 million total): |
| -- | Voluntary employer-based rideshare incentive program -- For innovative projects that reduce vehicle miles traveled and/or auto trips through employer-based incentive programs. Companies subject to the South Coast Air Quality Management District's Rule 2202 are not eligible. |
| -- | Advanced Traveler Management Information Systems (ATMIS) -- Seeks proposals for projects that promote the use of state-of-the-art technology to distribute information on ridesharing and other commuting options. |
| -- | Bicycles for the Employer Market -- Funds proposals that facilitate the use of bicycles instead of motor vehicles to commute to and from work (or within or between work sites). |
| -- | Electric Bicycle Buydown Program -- The program will pre-qualify electric bicycle manufacturers for participation in a buydown program. When implemented, this program will provide rebates to buyers of electric bicycles through qualified manufacturers. |
| -- | Land Use Strategy Implementation Projects -- Provides co-funding for incentive-based land use strategies that achieve emission reductions by decreasing motor vehicle use. Proposals must have verifiable and sustainable emission reductions. The MSRC FY 2000/01 work program will also include these elements: |
| -- | Local Government subvention match program ($3.0 million available) -- Cities in the South Coast Basin that receive clean air funds from the DMV's motor vehicle registration fee can receive matching funds for alternative fuel programs. |
| -- | Continuation of a light-duty alternative fuel buydown program ($2.0 million in new funds) -- This ongoing program helps buy down the cost of alternative fuel vehicles that are certified as zero or super ultra-low emission vehicles. The incentive is currently available through auto dealers. |
| -- | Reserve funds ($1.0 million) are tentatively reserved for the continuation of a compressed natural gas school bus buydown program. |
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 throughout September.
Proposals are due no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 5, with the work program slated for approval in November. Contracts are expected to begin in early January 2001.
For more information about the MSRC FY 2000/01 work program, visit the MSRC's Web site at www.msrc-cleanair.org or call 909/396-2777.
About the MSRC
The Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) is a committee responsible for funding transportation projects that reduce air pollution within Southern California. It was formed in 1990 when Assembly Bill 2766 was signed into law authorizing a $4 motor vehicle registration fee. Thirty percent of the $4 fee or approximately $12 million annually is used for programs administered by the MSRC.
Membership is made up of representatives from the transportation agencies of Riverside, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange counties, as well as the Southern California Association of Governments, Southern California Rideshare, California Air Resources Board and the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
