A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program is receiving proposals for grants to be used to reduce emissions from existing diesel engines used in various transportation modes, including marine. Grants can be used for up to 75 percent of the cost of repowering marine vessels with cleaner engines (there must be a non-federal cost share of at least 25 percent). Proposals must be submitted by December 8.
A publicly-owned ferry system is eligible to submit a proposal on its own.
In most situations, a private vessel operator is not eligible to apply by itself. However, if a privately-owned ferry vessel is being leased or otherwise made available to a public entity, it may compete for a grant, but the public agency has to be the applicant.
A non-profit entity that represents members involved in transportation is eligible to compete for a grant that can be used to assist private operators. The Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) is considering whether to submit one or more such proposals to serve in such a capacity. In making this decision, PVA would like to know of members that might want to undertake an engine replacement program to achieve better emissions. Please contact PVA Headquarters at pvainfo@passengervessel.com if you wish to propose that an engine replacement for your vessel or vessels be included in a possible PVA application to EPA.
The details of the program are fairly complicated. For more information, go to EPA’s National Clean Diesel Assistance Program web site at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/diesel/prgnational.htm
(Source: Passenger Vessel Association)