Applications are now available from the Department of Environmental Quality for funding under the Scrap Tire Market Development Grant Program. Up to $500,000 from the Scrap Tire Regulatory Fund will be 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.

Scrap Tire Market Development Grants are available to reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost to purchase scrap tires to support the development of increased markets for scrap tires. Grant funding is also available to reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost of purchasing equipment or for research and development to provide for a new or increased use for scrap tires.

The DEQ will accept Letters of Interest received or postmarked on or before October 17, 2008. Interested persons must first submit an approved Letter of Interest before submitting a full application. The DEQ will not accept Letters of Interest applications submitted by e mail or fax.

To receive a Letter of Interest form and application packet, please contact the Scrap Tire Regulatory Program, Waste and Hazardous Materials Division, DEQ, 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 (click on "Waste," "Scrap Tires," and under the "Grants" tab, click on "Market Development Grants").

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 September 29, 2008 by Pat Watson