The state’s VW Settlement funding effort is part of a new program called Driving PA Forward.  Information on funding opportunities can be found on the new website:  http://www.depgis.state.pa.us/DrivingPAForward/.  The DEP recently announced a number of new funding opportunities summarized below.  The Driving PA Forward website at this time does not appear to be updated.  If you plan to apply for these opportunity you should contact DEP directly if you are not familiar with their online grant application portal.

The On-road Rebates Program is accepting applications from 7/23/21 and will close on 11/12/21, or when funds are exhausted- whichever occurs first.  DEP will consider projects that involve five or less eligible vehicles under this program. This is a “first-come, first-served” basis to all eligible projects (unscored)(while funds last). 

DERA Opportunity: The Department of Environmental Protection recently published a notice announcing the availability of DERA funds. Applications may be submitted by Pennsylvania Businesses, Incorporated Nonprofits, State, Local, or Tribal Government Agencies, Air Quality or Transportation Organizations, Metropolitan or Rural/Regional Transportation Planning Organizations, and Federal Government Agencies.  Diesel emission reduction projects may, include, but are not limited to: verified exhaust controls; engine upgrades and certified remanufacture systems; verified idle reduction technologies; certified engine replacements; aerodynamic technologies; and/or certified vehicle or equipment replacement. Eligible diesel vehicles, engines, and equipment may include buses, medium-duty or heavy-duty trucks, nonroad engines, equipment or vehicles (used in construction, cargo handling, agriculture, mining or energy production), marine engines and locomotive engines.  The application deadline is January 7, 2022.  Guidelines available here:  https://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/Volkswagen/PAStateCleanDieselGuidelines.pdf