IDEM Announces Over $2 Million in Grant Funding for Clean Air Projects

(INDIANAPOLIS) — The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) announced Round 2 of grant funding from the DieselWise Indiana with Volkswagen DERA Option program, which will distribute awards ranging from $50,000 to $750,000. Total available funding for this round is $2.2 million.

Grant money will be awarded to clean air projects that significantly reduce diesel emissions from nonroad vehicles or equipment across Indiana. Example projects include installing idle-reduction technology on locomotives, replacing diesel-powered switcher locomotives with all-electric locomotives or railcar movers, and replacing diesel-powered cargo handling equipment with new electric alternatives. Previous Round 1 projects included replacing a diesel-powered switcher locomotive with an all-electric shuttle wagon, replacing landfill compactors with new clean-diesel machines, and replacing old diesel-powered terminal tractors with new all-electric alternatives. 

Public and private entities may submit applications, and the Request for Proposals (RFP) deadline is November 25, 2020. Application information can be found at https://www.in.gov/idem/airquality/2561.htm. Questions about the RFP process can be directed to IDEM Senior Environmental Manager Shawn M. Seals at SSeals@idem.IN.gov or 317-233-0425.

DieselWise Indiana is a statewide program supported with funds from Indiana’s allocation of U.S. EPA Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) funding, along with a portion of the national Volkswagen Mitigation Trust Fund. The program is focused on equipment and vehicle repowers and replacements with newer, cleaner alternatives of various fuel types. IDEM expects to select projects in December 2020 with funds awarded soon thereafter. For more information about DieselWise Indiana, please visit https://www.in.gov/idem/airquality/2561.htm.