Truck owners can get $40,000 grants in San Joaquin Valley

FRESNO

September 30, 2015 9:35am

                •  Money to go toward buying replacement trucks

•  Applies to class 5 or class 6 trucks

Truck owners and small businesses in the San Joaquin Valley operating older Class 5 or Class 6 trucks could get $40,000 grants to help pay the cost of replacing the trucks with new, less-polluting trucks.

Eligible truck owners need to be small business owners in the San Joaquin Valley operating Class 5 (16,001 to 19,500 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or Class 6 (19,501 to 26,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) trucks currently in compliance with the California Air Resources Board on-road truck regulations.

Trucks are the largest source of the San Joaquin Valley air basin’s NOx emissions, which create both ozone and particulate pollution. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has budgeted $639,132 to fund new trucks and reduce emissions under this grant program. “We understand the importance of providing financial incentives to this crucial part of our Valley’s economy and are very pleased we can offer this assistance,” says Seyed Sadredin, the District’s executive director and air pollution control officer.

District funding will provide truckers with assistance that further reduces emissions beyond mere compliance with existing state regulations. This funding can be paired with the California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP) operated through CALSTART.

The application period opens on October 1 and applications are available through participating dealerships. The application period will remain open until the funds have been exhausted.

The program is targeting 1991-2003 engine model year trucks that meet the program eligibility requirements:

o Domiciled in the San Joaquin Valley

o Currently registered and in operation

o Meets minimum usage requirements

http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=29154