The Associated General Contractors of Kentucky will invest nearly $2.5 million this year to cut diesel emissions from construction equipment currently being used statewide. The investment to improve air quality by repowering and retrofitting AGC member companies diesel fleets was a result of a new $2 million federal grant awarded under the EPA’s National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program.
“Contractors may be busy rebuilding Kentucky’s economy, but they are still committed to protecting the environment,” said Richard Vincent, the association’s chief executive officer. “This isn’t just an investment in cleaner diesel technology. It is a down payment on a greener future.”
During the Aug. 17th Board of Directors meeting the $2 million check was presented to the association by Kentucky Department of Energy & Environment Secretary Dr. Len Peters. AGC of Kentucky 2009 President David Jackson & Executive Committee Chair Ellis Hefner accepted on behalf of the membership.
AGC of Kentucky will use the federal funds, and an additional $466,000 in matching and in-kind contributions, to help member companies in Kentucky retrofit or repower their off-road diesel equipment with exhaust control technologies designed to reduce particulate emissions. The organization also will use the funds to promote a voluntary reduced idling program at 100 construction sites across the state in the next year.
Reduced idling saves money on fuel, engine repairs, and is good for the environment, good for employees, and good for business. To date, 15 member companies have agreed to participate and all AGC of Kentucky members are encouraged to join the voluntary reduced idling program. All members who participate will receive free promotional materials including bumper stickers, a large AGC of KY “Don’t be an Idler” construction site banner and more.
“The competition for this EPA grant was fierce,” said project manager John Brazel. “We are the only statewide AGC Chapter among 14 that applied which was successful in competing for this federal grant. We are really excited to bring these grant monies to Kentucky in order to benefit the members of our association, the citizens of Kentucky and ultimately the environment of the Commonwealth.”
EPA has awarded a total of $156 million in clean diesel grants to eligible entities like AGC chapters to help construction companies, among others, reduce emissions from their fleets.
For more information about the Kentucky Clean Diesel in Construction program, call John Brazel, AGC of Kentucky assistant executive director at 502/223-8845 or email [email protected].
