Exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to serious health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses and can worsen existing heart and lung disease, especially amongst children and the elderly. These conditions can result in increased numbers of emergency room visits, hospital admissions, absences from work and school and premature deaths. Aside from serious health concerns, diesel emissions also result in harmful effects to the environment and air quality.
Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) will be administering the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Diesel Emission Reduction State Clean Diesel Program to improve air quality within Maricopa County. MCAQD is offering organizations within the County an immediate opportunity to receive a sub award for retrofit, re-power or replacement of qualified diesel fleet vehicles or equipment. The funding is to retrofit or re-power medium to heavy duty fleet vehicles with engine model year 1991–2010 and school buses 1991-2003 and 2004-2006 with a 2013 or newer model, or purchase new low-emission fleet vehicles or school buses to replace old, high polluting fleet vehicles, buses and equipment with 2013 models or newer. The department may fund the following projects:
- The installation of exhaust controls such as retrofit devices such as a diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC), crankcase emission control devices, verified idle reduction technologies on school buses, and particulate matter filters up to 100%
- Repower of engines up to 40%
- Replacement of vehicles with 2013 or new models up to 25%
If your organization is interested in receiving funds please complete and return the Notice of Intent to Participate (NOIP) no later than March 3, 2017 by 5:00PM MST to Eddie Limon at EddieLimon@mail.maricopa.gov. Funding is limited for the current award period and sub awards will be granted on a first come first serve basis, based upon the ability to complete the project by September 30, 2017. Upon receipt of the NOIP, an application/request for proposal and additional information will be emailed to the school district. Final proposals will be due by April 14, 2017.