January 23, 2006

Applications are now available from the Department of Environmental Quality for funding under the Scrap Tire Market Development Grant Program and the Scrap Tire End-User Grant Program. Up to $500,000 from the Scrap Tire Regulatory Fund is available for these grants.

“These funds will encourage innovation and support the creation of products made from scrap tires here in Michigan,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “By creating new uses for this material, we will accelerate the cleanup of stockpiled scrap tires that pose threats to our environment and the health of our citizens.”

Some markets currently exist for scrap tires, such as tire-derived fuel, retreading, landfill construction and daily cover applications, septic drain fields, athletic surfaces, landscape materials, playground cushions, and other products.

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 programs are designed to supplement the Scrap Tire Cleanup Grant Program to promote proper use of scrap tire material in Michigan. The Scrap Tire Regulatory Fund, which provides monetary support for all three grant programs, is funded by a $1.50 vehicle title certificate fee collected by the Secretary of State.

The DEQ will accept applications for the Market Development and End-User Grants along with all supporting documents that are received or postmarked on or before March 3, 2006. The DEQ will not accept applications submitted by e mail or fax.

To receive an application for either of these grant programs, please contact Michelle Crandell with 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 by clicking on “WASTE” and then “Scrap Tires.”

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

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised January 23, 2006 by Linda Crawford for Pat Watson