AGC Chapters Apply for Federal Funds to Assist in Diesel Retrofit

Fifteen AGC chapters from around the country applied to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for more than $31 million in federal grant funds to help finance the cost of retrofitting off road diesel equipment to reduce air quality emissions. It is estimated that this funding would help to pay the cost of retrofitting approximately 1,000 diesel powered machines that are currently in use on AGC-members' jobsites.  These AGC Chapters - representing 9 out of 10 EPA Regions - have leveraged an additional $20 million plus in matching funds and "in-kind" contributions by pulling together an array of project partners.  This current grant competition resulted from funds included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.  Approximately $156 million in ARRA funding is available for retrofits through EPA's National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. These funds were not available directly to construction companies but were made available through "eligible entities" which included AGC chapters. EPA is currently reviewing the proposals and will announce "winners" over the next 30 days. EPA will hold another grant competition in August 2009 (EPA fiscal year 2009 appropriations), although for less money - around $60M. AGC has joined with other organizations urging President Obama and Congress to provide additional retrofit grants by fully funding the 2010 national diesel grant competition at $200 million. AGC Chapters Competing in Current EPA Diesel Retrofit Grant Competition: AGC of California, AGC of East Tennessee, AGC of Greater Milwaukee, AGC of Kentucky, AGC of New Hampshire, AGC of New Jersey, AGC of New York State, Associated Contractors of New Mexico, Associated General Contractors New Mexico Building Branch, Association of Oklahoma General Contractors, Colorado Contractors Association, Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inland Northwest Chapter-AGC, Las Vegas Chapter AGC, and Louisiana Associated General Contractors.