HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced last week that its Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Natural Gas Vehicle program is now open. The program will provide an estimated $10 million in grants to help companies and organizations purchase or convert medium to lightweight natural gas vehicles. 

“During last year’s natural gas vehicle seminars, we heard from many municipal, commercial and non-profit groups that wanted to convert their lighter-weight vehicles to natural gas,” DEP Acting Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. “This AFIG grant program will serve that need, helping to purchase or convert patrol cars, passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks.” 

Grant funds are available for the conversion or purchase of natural gas vehicles weighing less than 14,000 pounds, as well as the conversion or purchase of electric, propane or other alternative fuel vehicles of any size. Applicants interested in purchasing or converting only one or two alternative fuel vehicles are encouraged to partner with other eligible applicants to aggregate vehicles into a single application, which will satisfy the grant’s five vehicle minimum.

Grant applications will also be accepted for innovation in alternative fuel transportation, including non-road vehicles, such as natural gas-powered trains or marine vessels.  Innovation includes research, training, development and demonstration of new applications or next phase technology related to the development and use of alternative transportation fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. 

Those eligible to apply include non-profit agencies, for-profit companies, commonwealth or municipal authorities, and local transportation organizations. Applications are due July 26, 2013 by 4:00 pm; grants will be awarded in the fall.