• Working with specific geographic areas and industry sectors of Michigan to identify where environmental improvements can be made through diesel emission reductions, including reasons for the emission reductions and major sources in the affected areas.
• Encouraging the development and expansion of innovative technologies that can be used by these industry sectors as well as ways to implement diesel emission reductions at the local level.
• Acting as a conduit to help identify funding opportunities and resources that can be used to implement diesel reduction technologies and strategies, and to provide resources for the application process.

Funding for Clean Diesel Projects
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is issuing a competitive Request for Proposals for projects that qualify for funding under the Michigan Clean Diesel Initiative.

Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) - State Clean Diesel Grant

• Request for Projects (RFP) - Applications accepted from November 1, 2012, through December 3, 2012.
  • Application (word)
  • Budget Form (xls)
  • Fleet Description Spreadsheet (xls)

Questions
If you need additional information please contact the Environmental Assistance Center at1-800-662-9278.

The DEQ will also host an informational webinar on November 20, 2012 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM EST. Click on the link to register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/992698841

Eligible Partners
The DEQ defines eligible partners as cities, townships, and villages; county government agencies; port authorities; public school districts; private schools; other non-profit organizations or institutions that promote transportation or air quality as their focus; metropolitan planning organizations and private business industry.

Types of Projects Eligible for Grant Awards
Grant projects must include the application of a diesel emissions reduction solution that is an emission control technology that has been verified by either the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) or California Air Resources Board (CARB). Examples of USEPA or CARB-verified emission control technologies include:

• Retrofit Technologies (i.e. oxidation catalysts, aerodynamic hoods and particulate matter filters)
• Idle Reduction Technologies (i.e. auxillary power units and generator sets).
• Engine Repowers (i.e. replacement with new or cleaner engine and scrappage of old engine).
• Vehicle and Equipment Replacements (covering between 25-50% of cost).
• Aerodynamic technologies (i.e. long haul truck side skirts, hoods, etc).

Eligible Vehicles and Equipment

• Medium to heavy duty diesel vehicles, engines and ground installations used for either on-road or non-road applications (i.e. trucks, buses and other diesel equipment used for construction, handling cargo, farming, mining and energy production).
• Marine engines (i.e. tugboats and pushboats, ferries, excursion vessels, dredging equipment, container ships, tanker ships, bulk carrier ships and cruise ships).
• On-road or non-road applications that provide heat, air conditioning or electricity service to vehicles and equipment that is stationary or temporarily parked (i.e. generator sets).

Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision (SDEV) was awarded $196,722 in federal funding from the 2013 Michigan Clean Diesel Grant Program. The goal is to replace older vehicles with new models that meet or exceed the current highest EPA emissions standards. This project will significantly reduce diesel emissions occurring in this area, which not only bears disproportionate environmental and public health burdens, but is also an impoverished urban area. To implement this project, SDEV will partner with: Churchill Transportation to replace two long haul trucks (year 2004). Ferrous Processing and Trading to replace two short haul trucks (years 1991 and 1999). Total Armored Car to replace two delivery vans (years 1999 and 2001). Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision is a community-based environmental organization operating in and focused on Southwest Detroit. The DEQ has also awarded $450.00 in federal funds and partnered with the Marathon Oil Company to help replace a diesel powered school bus for the Lenawee Intermediate School District.