$20 million from the Trust has been allocated for the Clean Air Communities Program. Eligible projects will be awarded to state and local governments across the Commonwealth through a competitive application process. Eligible projects will be selected on the basis of emission reductions and cost-effectiveness of emission reductions ($VW/Ton of NOx). Eligible projects require a minimum 25% cost-share. The minimum required cost-share can be provided by the eligible applicant and/or by another government or non-government funding source. Projects with a greater cost-share than the minimum required are likely to be more competitive in terms of cost-effectiveness. Priority will be given to projects located in Virginia’s low income communities, communities of color, or communities listed on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2020 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Priority List.
Eligible project costs will be reimbursed to awardees in two stages: 50% of the project costs when a verified purchase order is placed; and the remaining 50% upon successful project completion. Additional program requirements are under consideration including establishing minimum and maximum award amounts. The competitive application process will open later this summer. Sign up to receive email notifications regarding the competitive application process.
| ELIGIBLE PROJECTS | EMISSION REDUCTION STRATEGY | ALLOWED VW EXPENDITURE AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| Class 8 Local Freight Trucks & Port Drayage trucks | Replacement; scrappage required | Up to 75% for government-owned all-electric replacement, including electric charging infrastructure costs |
| Class 4-7 Local Freight Trucks | Replacement; scrappage required | Up to 75% for government-owned all-electric replacement, including electric charging infrastructure costs |
| Class 4-8 Shuttle Buses | Replacement; scrappage required | Up to 75% for government-owned all-electric replacement, including electric charging infrastructure costs |
| Airport Ground Support Equipment | Replacement; scrappage required | Up to 75% for all-electric replacement, including charging infrastructure costs |
| Freight Switching Locomotives | Repower and replacement; scrappage required | Up to 75% for government-owned all-electric replacement, including electric charging infrastructure costs |
| Ferries/Tugs | Repower; scrappage required | Up to 75% for governmental owned all-electric repower, including electric charging infrastructure costs |
| Oceangoing Vessels | Shorepower | Up to 75% for government-owned shore-side infrastructure |