In this first round, $5 million was reserved for local transportation organizations, as obligated by the Act. DEP received applications from 49 applicants requesting nearly $13 million in grants. An additional $11 million will be available in August, with 50 percent slated for local transportation organizations. The third and final grant round is slated to open in 2014.
Eligible vehicles for all three rounds of the Natural Gas Energy Development program include those fueled with CNG, LNG or bi-fuel vehicles weighing 14,000 pounds or more. Grant requests cannot exceed 50 percent of the incremental purchase or retrofit cost per vehicle or a maximum total of $25,000 per vehicle.
Governor Corbett also announced today a May 25 opening for the Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant (AFIG) program, providing an estimated $10 million to help companies and organizations purchase or convert CNG, LNG or bi-fuel vehicles weighing less than 14,000 pounds, as well as electric, propane or other alternative fuel vehicles of any weight. Applications will also be accepted for innovation in alternative fuel transportation, including non-road vehicles, such as natural gas-powered trains or marine vessels. The AFIG program is funded by a gross receipts tax on utilities.
Source: Pennsylvania Office of the Governor.
