Grant applications for funding under the Scrap Tire Market Development Grant Program and the Scrap Tire End-User Grant Program, are now available from the Department of Environmental Quality.

Under the Scrap Tire End-User Grant Program, the DEQ will reimburse end-users of scrap tires or tire chips, including tire-derived fuel to promote increased end-use of scrap tire material. The Scrap Tire Market Development Grant Program will fund projects that develop new markets for material derived from scrap tires, reimbursing part of the cost of materials used to develop the new products. The Market Development Grant Program does not fund tire-derived fuel projects. Both the Scrap Tire Market Development Grant Program and the Scrap Tire End-User Grant Program are designed to supplement the Scrap Tire Cleanup Grant Program to promote proper use of scrap tire material in Michigan. All three grant programs are funded through the Scrap Tire Regulatory Fund, financed through a $1.50 vehicle title certificate fee collected by the Secretary of State.

“Finding ways to productively use scrap tires is good for the environment and good for the economy,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “These grant funds will support development and cut down on the number of tire piles that exist throughout our state.”

Some markets currently exist for scrap tires, such as: tire-derived fuel, retreading, use in landfill construction and daily cover applications, septic drain fields, athletic surfaces, landscape materials, playground cushions, and other products. Additional markets are needed for higher value products made from scrap tires which will further accelerate the cleanup of stockpiled scrap tires.

To receive an application for either of these grant programs, please contact the Scrap Tire Regulatory Program, Waste and Hazardous Materials Division, Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 30241, Lansing, Michigan 48909 7741, at 517 241 2924; or an application packet may be downloaded from the DEQ Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/deq. The DEQ will accept applications and all supporting documents received or postmarked on or before March 4, 2005. The DEQ will not accept applications submitted by e mail or fax.

Editors note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised January 31, 2005 by Alice Stimpson