PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is accepting applications for Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants (AFIG). The program opened April 15, 2011and will close on June 17, 2011.
CLICK HERE for AFIG application information.
The Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program was established in 1992 under Act 166. Act 178 was passed in 2004, resulting in two new programs designed to stimulate the production and use of biodiesel and ethanol in the commonwealth.
What are the goals of the program?
The AFIG Program is helping to create new markets for biofuels in Pennsylvania so that we can enhance our energy security. We are investing not only in alternative fuels, but the deployment of fuel saving vehicles, fleets and technologies. Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant projects will promote and build markets for advanced or renewable energy technologies. The intent is to provide a stimulus for opportunities that better manage our fuel resources in a way that also improves our environment, supports economic development and enhances our quality of life.
Where does the money come from?
The AFIG fund receives about $5 to 6 million annually from the General Fund. The amount received is equal to 0.25 mills of the utilities gross receipts tax collected during each fiscal year.
What projects are eligible for funding?
School districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions, incorporated nonprofit entities, corporations, limited liability companies or partnerships incorporated or registered in the commonwealth for: retrofit vehicles to operate on alternative fuels (fleet only); cost of the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles (fleet only); cost to install fleet refueling equipment for alternative fuel vehicles, and next phase advanced research, development and training related to alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. School districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions and incorporated nonprofit entities for the incremental cost to purchase biofuel with or without the purchase of related refueling and storage equipment or tank cleaning. Qualified renewable fuel producers for the reimbursement of up to 10 cents per gallon of renewable fuels produced in a calendar year up to 12.5 million gallons.
What types of fuels are supported by the AFIG program?
Transportation projects that use mixtures of 85 percent ethanol 15 percent gasoline (E85); liquid or compressed natural gas, liquid propane, hydrogen, coal - derived liquid fuel; electricity and biodiesel/diesel blends as well as other potential R& D fuels. NOTE: Projects may start on or after July 1, 2010. No project may exceed 24 months. No projects applied for may end later than June 30, 2012.