Regional planning commission has $70,000 in grants for fuel efficiency projects

Local businesses and cities looking to make an environmental New Year's resolution could qualify for grant funding from the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The planning commission has $70,000 available for projects that promote fuel efficiency and reduce emissions from diesel engines.

Voluntary efforts to reduce emissions that contribute to the formation of ozone are part of the commission's Clean Air Action Plan, said David Grimes, who heads the commission's air quality committee.

"This program is completely compatible with the Clean Air Action Plan," Grimes said. "It is something that we can do to cut down on stuff going into the air."

Ground-level ozone in Southeast Missouri has declined in the past five years, but the amount may not be low enough to meet stricter ozone guidelines expected to be announced by the EPA by July 31.

"Diesels emit nitrogen oxides, which is an ozone precursor, as well as particulates, which is another major component of smog," Grimes said.

Projects are eligible for funding under the program include auxiliary power units, emission control retrofits, low-rolling resistance tires and aerodynamic technology. The funding is available to both private sector businesses and local governments.

Some matching funds may be required, depending on the project and the applicant, Grimes said.

The use of alternative fuel is also eligible under the program. The grant will pay for 100 percent of the incremental cost difference between the alternative fuel and conventional diesel fuel for both public and private fleets.

The deadline to apply for funds is Feb. 1. Projects must be in Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Iron, Madison, Perry, St. Francois or Ste. Genevieve counties.

For more information, visit www.semorpc.org.

mmiller@semissourian.com

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