Ohio EPA calls for Diesel Emission Reduction Grant applications

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) will hold an information session on the next rounds of the Diesel Emission Reduction Grants (DERG) on Thursday.

The agency, which recently released guidelines for the DERG awards, is offering $15 million in grants available in increments ranging from $50,000 to $1 million.

These grants are intended to improve the state's air quality through measures such as vehicle replacement, retrofitting emissions controls and installing anti-idle equipments.

This round of grants will see $5 million in funding go to public transit projects to address statewide needs set forth by the Ohio Department of Transportation; however, private sector diesel fleets in a public-private partnership can apply for those funds through a public sponsor.

The application period is open until Dec. 1. Anyone requesting grant funding must include a breakdown of how their project will cover at least 20 percent of its own costs.

Thursday's information session will be held at 9 a.m. at the Ohio Department of Transportation headquarters, 1980 W. Broad St., Columbus.

In addition, the Ohio EPA plans to schedule two conference calls later this month and in November. Further details about the calls will be posted on the agency's website.