The awarded AFIG grants will help pay for the conversion or purchase of 351 natural gas vehicles and 337 propane vehicles weighing less than 14,000 pounds. An estimated 15 new fueling stations and 30 existing stations will be supported by these vehicles.

AFIG grants are an annual solicitation, providing financial incentive for a variety of transportation projects with the result of reducing air emissions in Pennsylvania. This year, AFIG grants focused on medium- to light-weight vehicles. DEP will announce the focus of the next round of grants when it opens, which is expected in early 2014.

The second round of Act 13 Natural Gas Vehicle grants will open on 9 November, providing an estimated $11 million to help pay for the incremental purchase and conversion costs of heavy-duty natural gas fleet vehicles weighing more than 14,000 pounds. The Act 13 Natural Gas Vehicle grants are financed by impact fees paid by natural gas operators.

Fifty percent of this funding is allocated exclusively for local transportation organizations, including non-profit agencies providing public transportation services and public transportation, port and redevelopment authorities, as well as school bus projects.

Others eligible to apply include incorporated non-profit organizations, for-profit companies, state-owned or state-related universities, commonwealth or municipal authorities, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

Grant requests can be no more than 50% of the incremental purchase or retrofit 10 January 2014, and will be awarded in the spring.