FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2009
DHEC announces additional grant opportunities to reduce diesel emissions
COLUMBIA – Grant funds are available to protect the public’s health and reduce diesel emissions in South Carolina, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
“Reducing diesel emissions is one of the most important air quality challenges in protecting the environment and health of our citizens,” said Myra Reece, chief of DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality. “The state received a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the S.C. Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
“Nearly $1 million has been allocated for proposed projects that are ready for implementation and can immediately achieve program goals,” said Reece. “DHEC has chosen 10 recipients to receive grants including the S.C. Department of Education, the S.C. Forestry Commission, the cities of Columbia, Charleston, and North Charleston, the Charleston and Darlington County School Districts and Greenville, Lexington, and Spartanburg counties.
“Approximately $600,000 remains to be distributed through a competitive sub-grant process,” she said. “DHEC is accepting applications for that sub-grant program until July 13, 2009.”
“These funds will be used for projects that focus on job creation and retention by providing cost-effective diesel emission reduction strategies,” Reece said. “Some projects might include retrofits, engine replacements or rebuilds, idle reduction technologies or use of cleaner fuels.”
For more information regarding the application process and the DERA funding under the ARRA, please visit DHEC’s Web site at: http://www.scdhec.gov/DERA.
-###-
For public inquiries:
Adam Page – (803) 898-1423
E-mail – pageac@dhec.sc.gov
For media inquiries:
Clair Boatwright – (803) 898-4461
E-mail – boatwrc@dhec.sc.gov
CBNR1485