ACOG AWARDS $4.2 MILLION IN AIR QUALITY GRANTS FOR PUBLIC SECTOR FLEETS

The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) Board of Directors has approved $4.2 million of Public Fleet Clean Air Grant Funding for public-sector fleet alternative fuel vehicle replacements and alternative fueling stations.

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) assigned to the ACOG Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) area provide the resources for these competitive grant awards. Eligible projects include fleet conversion to clean fuel technologies, the acquisition of alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles, and/or the purchase and installation of alternative fuel vehicle refueling or recharging infrastructure.

Eligible entities include: ACOG MPO local government member entities, member public transit fleets, public trusts and public authorities that provide essential services to member entities, public colleges and universities, Oklahoma Career Tech System Technology Centers, public school districts, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

“ACOG received 9 strong projects all aimed at reducing emissions,” said Eric Pollard, ACOG Air Quality & Clean Cities Manager. “These projects will demonstrate in a variety of situations how alternative powered vehicles can meet or exceed the work expectations of conventional ICE vehicles. We are confident they will not only reduce emissions but also save entities money”.

The ACOG Public Fleet Clean Air Grant program is funded through the Congestion Mitigation of Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program. This program provides a flexible funding source for state and local governments to fund transportation projects to help meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act and its amendments.

ACOG is distributing $4.2 million to fund the 9 projects. The remaining $68,947.00 in available funding will be rolled into the next grant cycle. ACOG has dispersed Public Fleet grant funds since 2009.