ARB approves the distribution of $221 million of Proposition 1B funding
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FRESNO – The Air Resources Board approved today the final list of diesel emission reduction projects to be funded by the first installment of $221 million out of the $1 billion from voter-endorsed Proposition 1B.
ARB voted to distribute $221 million among California's four trade corridors based on the funding targets adopted last February. The allocation will place $122 million for the Los Angeles/Inland Empire; $55 million for the Central Valley; $31 million for the Bay Area; and $13 million for the San Diego/Border region.
The dissemination by categories would result in a total of:
- $198.4 million to upgrade over 8,200 trucks with cleaner equipment and engines
- $16.5 million for 18 new locomotives
- $2.5 million for shore electric power for cargo ships docking at the Port of San Diego
- $4.3 million for 17 freight-related harbor craft
"This is a grand move toward our ultimate goal of cleaning up the air," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "With regulations in place and funding for early compliance, California is on its way to significantly reduce the number of people affected by diesel soot."
Having identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant in 1998 due to its potential to cause cancer and other respiratory problems, ARB has put in place stringent regulations to curve the health risk to Californians and to further the state's progress towards meeting air quality goals.
Over their life, the projects to be funded are estimated to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 26,900 tons and particulate matter by 1,800 tons. ARB and the local agencies administering the monies will focus on projects that quickly reduce emissions and achieve benefits throughout the state, such as directing 94 percent of the total to cleaner trucks and locomotives that may travel within multiple corridors.
The awards to eligible local agencies and projects were made official at today's public hearing in Fresno. Earlier this year, the ARB released $25 million in early grants to five air districts to upgrade 1,000 trucks and install shore-based electrical power at two ship berths.