North Carolina CMAQ Funding Deadline Extended

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) at North Carolina State University recently announced that its request for proposal (RFP) concerning $1.5 million in funding for alternative fuel vehicle and infrastructure projects has been extended.  The new deadline for funding requests is March 1, 2016.  The funding will be made available through the 2016-2017 Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project. The CFAT project is supported with federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funds provided by the NC Department of Transportation (NC DOT).

North Carolina authorities recently announced that the state was awarded $4.5 million in new CMAQ funding.  A total of $3 million is expected to be made available for new transportation related projects.  The RFP here is the first two expected announcements. The primary purpose of CFAT projects is to reduce transportation related emissions in 24 eligible North Carolina counties.

According to the announcement, the $1.5 million will be provided for on-road and off-road mobile source projects including alternative fuel vehicles.  Projects must be for a minimum of $30,000 and no more than $250,000.  The announcement also indicates that project awardees will be required to participate in the NC Smart Fleet Initiative or the NC Clean Transportation Coordinating Committee. Fees and sponsorship costs for these activities begin at $2,000 for a 2 year affiliation.

Natural gas powered vehicles and refueling equipment qualify for funding along with other alternative fuels.  In order to be eligible, a project must reduce transportation-related emissions within the 24 eligible counties with the exception of natural gas refueling equipment and electric vehicle recharging infrastructure which, in accordance with federal guidelines, can be located anywhere within the state. Funding is limited to incremental cost.  There also is a 20 percent cost share requirement and Buy America provisions apply.

Conversions qualify but must be certified to EPA or CARB standards.  Bi-fuel vehicle qualify but at a discounted rate compared to dedicated vehicles. For more details, view the NC notice here.