Volkswagen Mitigation Funds Are Now Available for Class 8 Truck Replacement

By Yasaman Azar Houshang

On August 7^th, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Governing Board, approved the motion to administer funds from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Program to replace highly polluting Class 8* Freight and Port Drayage Trucks with Zero-Emission (ZE) alternatives throughout the state of California, on behalf of California Air Resources Board (CARB). As a result, SCAQMD will be responsible for administering the first installment of $27 million from the $90 million total amount set aside for this category of equipment.

Similar to Class 8 Freight and Drayage Truck Replacement Program by SCAQMD, Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) are also administering the allocation of Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust funds for ZE Freight and Marine projects as well as ZE transit, school, and shuttle bus project categories throughout the state of California.

This opportunity is open to both public and private sector fleet owners. Requirements include but are not limited to:

• Owning and operating the equipment in California
• Engine model year must be between 1992 and 2012
• Old equipment must be scrapped
• New vehicle must be a zero-emission vehicle, certified or verified by CARB

The maximum available funding will not exceed $200,000 per equipment, with government applicants having the opportunity to have up to 100 percent of their project cost and non-government applicants up to 75 percent of their costs covered by the awarded funds.

Application process for Volkswagen Mitigation Trust funds for Class 8 Truck Replacement began on August 18, 2020. Funds are available on a first come, first serve basis. NV5 specialists, with experience in grant funding application in the SCAQMD, can assist truck owners with Volkswagen Mitigation Trust application process as well as other grant funding opportunities offered by local and state agencies.

* Class 8: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) greater than 33,000 lbs.