The Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC), which is comprised of representatives from eight California agencies, has launched a Local Government Partnership Program, which allows it to work directly with eligible cities and counties to jump-start clean vehicle, fuel, and transportation projects.

$21 million was approved for the new program, open to cities and counties within the California South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), including parts of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

The Local Government Partnership Program offers local agencies that participate in the Assembly Bill 2766 Motor Vehicle Subvention Fund Program a pro-rata share of the MSRC’s available funding, avoiding the need for a competitive grant proceeding or to award funding on a first-come, first-served basis. The new program emphasizes the need for an accelerated transition to zero and near-zero emission vehicles along with the necessary supporting infrastructure so federal air quality standards can be met in a timely manner.

The new funding will go toward the clean transportation projects needed to successfully implement SCAQMD's 2016 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP), which provides the blueprint for how the region will achieve federal air quality standards. According to the plan, air pollutant emissions must be reduced an additional 75% in order to meet the 2023 federal ozone standard. 

Under the program, eligible vehicle purchase and lease categories include: light-duty zero-emission vehicles, medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles, and near-zero emission heavy-duty alternative fuel vehicles and engine re-powers. Infrastructure projects include electric vehicle charging installation and alternative fuel station construction or expansion.

Jurisdictions with smaller populations also will be eligible to invest in these types of projects: traffic signal coordination and synchronization, bicycle active transportation programs, and first mile/last mile strategies.

Additionally, the MSRC’s Natural Gas Infrastructure Program has up to $4 million available for new and expanded refueling facilities that provide compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or renewable biogas. Funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications are due June 29, 2018. The solicitations are available on the MSRC’s website at http://www.cleantransportationfunding.org/