Federal Grants for Fleets

Federal funding for a wide range fleet types are available through grant programs funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These include diesel retrofits, repowers, and replacements, idle reduction, battery electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, compressed natural gas, propane, biodiesel and other fuels and technologies. For more information on these funding sources please visit our federal funding section at Driving Ohio Forward.

U.S. Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative
The Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative (MCDI) leverages financial and technical resources to reduce diesel engine emissions in focus areas including the trucking industry, rail companies, port authorities, and agricultural companies. MCDI continues to work with partners in municipalities and school districts to reduce emissions from bus fleets and publicly-owned vehicles. As of November 2008, the Initiative has impacted over 570,000 engines and invested a total of over $87.5 million in federal & non-federal funds. For more information, visit the EPA’s Midwest Clean Diesel website.

U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Program
The U.S. Department of Energy requests proposals for Clean Cities Petroleum Reduction Technologies Projects for Transportation Sector, for projects covering a range of alternative fuel and transportation-related technology deployment and educational activities. Areas of interest include refueling infrastructure for alternative fuels, incremental costs of dedicated alternative fuel vehicles, and education and outreach workshops for petroleum reduction fuels and technologies. Nearly $6 million is expected to be available with up to 24 awards anticipated. For more info, visit the DOE Financial Assistance Opportunities page for the full announcement details.

State of Ohio Grants for Fleets

Ohio also offers grant funding for specific fleet types either based on fuel or technology used, fleet type, and/or location. Examples include B20 biodiesel for school buses and diesel retrofits, repowers and replacements (new diesel or advanced fuel/technology heavy-duty vehicles). Please visit our state grants funding page at Driving Ohio Forward.

Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant (DERG) Program
The DERG Program highlights the link between clean air, transportation, and economic development. Applications for investments in retrofits, anti-idling, engine repower, and machinery/vehicle replacement will be evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing harmful emissions in Ohio communities. Applying entities must be CMAQ-eligible or sponsored by an eligible public private partner (PPP). There is no maximum award, however, $20,000 is the minimum and a 20% match is required. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Ohio Department of Development.

Ohio Energy Office B20 Biodiesel School Bus Grant Program
The aim of this grant is to provide financial assistance for schools and similar agencies that wish to implement the use of a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum, known as B20. There is approximately $200,000 dollars available. School districts are encouraged to apply as soon as possible because interest in this program is predicted to increase significantly. Clean Fuels Ohio is available to directly assist applicants with grant applications thanks to funding provided by the Ohio Soybean Council. To apply, please visit the Ohio Department of Development.

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Clean Diesel School Bus Retrofit Grant
The U.S. EPA has funds available to Ohio who has chosen to allocate these grants to the diesel school bus retrofit program. This particular grant aims to help school districts retrofit their diesel buses with pollution control equipment. Grant sizes range from $5,000 to $100,000 and focus on areas of non-attainment, although monies will be distributed to areas of attainment if all applicants in non-attainment areas have been exhausted. To date 652 buses have been retrofitted with a price tag of about $1.6 million. 33 districts have received funds with 31 being in areas of non-attainment. For more information, please visit the EPA's website.