The Arkansas Recovery Office and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality announced today that the state will offer financial assistance opportunities totaling $1.5 million in a new round of funding through ADEQ’s Reduce Emissions from Diesels program.
The program, known as “Go RED!,” is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from money received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The program helps pay for projects that reduce diesel emissions in Arkansas.
“This economic stimulus money will not only help the businesses and groups that apply for assistance, but it will help the environment by reducing the amount of pollutants that older diesel engines emit into the air,” said ADEQ Director Teresa Marks.
The department has already awarded $400,000 for “Go RED!” projects in an initial funding assistance round targeted at government and nonprofit agencies. With the new funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, private entities will also be eligible for money.
ADEQ will limit funding assistance to up to $200,000 per organization.
ADEQ’s funding assistance opportunities will pay for retrofits, idling reduction technologies and engine upgrades up to 100 percent, engine replacements up to 75 percent and equipment replacement up to 25 percent. ADEQ will provide up to 50 percent funding for school bus replacements meeting 2010 emission standards.
Private entities must provide a 15 percent funding match.
ADEQ will host a series of workshops throughout the state to promote the program and provide assistance in submitting applications.
“We encourage everyone interested in the ‘Go RED!’ program to attend a workshop,” Marks said. “ADEQ employees will be able to answer any questions and assist with the application process.”
All workshops are free and open to the public.
The workshop schedule:
Wednesday
– Hope, University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, Student Center, Purtle Meeting Room 201, 2500 S. Main St., 10 a.m.
– El Dorado, South Arkansas Community College, Library Auditorium, 300 S. West Ave., 3 p.m.
Thursday
– Batesville, White River Planning and Development District, 1652 White Drive, 10 a.m.
July 21
– West Memphis, Mid-South Community College, University Center– Room 120, 2000 W. Broadway, 11 a.m.
– Jonesboro, East Arkansas Planning and Development District, 2905 King St., 2 p.m.
July 22
– North Little Rock, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, 5301 Northshore Drive, 10 a.m.
July 23
– Fort Smith, Fort Smith Public Library Community Room, 3201 Rogers Ave., 10 a.m.
– Springdale, Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, 1311 Clayton St, 2 p.m.
July 28
–Hot Springs, West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District, 835 Central
Ave., 10 a.m.
July 30
– Mena, St. Agnes Catholic Church Parish Hall, 203 Eighth St., 11 a.m.
Aug. 4
– Harrison, Northwest Arkansas Economic and Development District, 818 Highway. 62-65-412 North, 10 a.m.
– Russellville, Pope County Library Heritage Hall, 116 E. Third St., 3 p.m.
Aug. 5
– Pine Bluff, Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District, 721 S. Walnut St., 10 a.m.
– Monticello, University of Arkansas at Monticello, Gibson Center Caucus Room, 346 University Drive, 2 p.m.
While diesel engines provide mobility and are critical to the nation’s economy, exhaust from diesel engines contains pollutants that negatively impact human health and the environment. Diesel engines emit nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and air toxics, which contribute to public health problems.
More information about the “Go RED!” program, as well as an application guide, can be found on the department’s Web site, www.adeq.state.ar.us. Information is also available at the Arkansas Recovery Office site, recovery.arkansas.gov.
The deadline to submit applications is Aug. 31, 2009. Projects must be completed by Aug. 31, 2010.
