Garner retrofit dollars in 2010
With the signing of the stimulus act earlier this year, President Obama made $300 million available to heavy-duty equipment and vehicle owners for retrofitting their fleets. Already, the majority of funds – which swelled to six times last year’s amount – have been administered by the EPA through its Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. But for those who missed the first application deadline, the EPA will once again accept submissions.
Jennifer Keller, spokesperson for the EPA, says that while program grants will be less in 2010 without stimulus funding, the EPA still expects clost to $50 million for projects, similar to awards given in 2008.
Both on- and off-road projects are eligible for funding, as long as the equipment or vehicle requires: rebuilding of the engine, repowering, replacing, refueling with cleaner fuels or retrofitting with verified emissions control technologies. Eligible entities include regional, state, local or port agencies and non-profit organizations.
According to the Diesel Technology Forum, private sector applicants cannot apply directly, but may be eligible through partnerships with state and/or local governments, or a non-governmental organization, such as the Associated General Contractors of America. Eligible applicants can file with EPA’s DERA program now until November 30th. The EPA will evaluate applications and award those who qualify for funding in early 2010.
“We received more than 600 applications earlier this year – or $2 billion in requests – for a limited amount of money,” Keller says. “Of those, 538 were eligible, and already 96 percent of the DERA funds have been awarded.” – Barbara Cox
Bauma countdowns begins
Citing an “excellent level of bookings,” Messe Munchen is planning to erect additional temporary halls for bauma 2010, held in Munich, Germany on April 19-25, 2010. The world’s largest construction equipment show, which will now offer almost 6 million square feet of exhibit space, showcases an exhaustive lineup of construction equipment. Tickets for the show will be available online beginning this month at http://www.bauma.de/en/Visitors/Tickets. For a general overview of the show, including travel and accommodation information, go to http://www.bauma.de/en/Home.
