Governor Markell announces recipients of DNREC grants totaling more than $1 million for alternative fuel infrastructure projects

DOVER – Today, the Delaware Clean Cities Coalition, in conjunction with DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate, hosted a capacity attendance of more than 170 transportation professionals from across Delaware and neighboring states at Fueling the Future: Clean Transportation for a Greener Delaware at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino.

Presentations, panel discussions, vendors and an interactive Ride-and-Drive explored the economic and environmental benefits of fueling vehicles with propane, natural gas, and electricity in place of gasoline. Experts also discussed funding opportunities to grow alternative fuel infrastructure in Delaware.

Governor Jack Markell joined DNREC Secretary David Small to announce the recipients of the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Grants, which will fund seven projects to help grow alternative fuel infrastructure across the state. The grants are part of Delaware’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program, funded through Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative cap-and-trade program. Totaling more than $1 million, the grants announced today range from $8,000 to $500,000, depending on the scope and technology needs of each project.

The grant recipients are:

• Chesapeake Utilities – $500,000, for a public CNG fast-fill refueling station at their new headquarters in Dover.
• The Delaware Division of Parks & Recreation – $55,962, to install two D.C. Fast Charging Stations at Blue Ball Barn in Wilmington and Indian River Marina.
• Royal Farms – $349,902, to install 10 D.C. Fast Charging Stations at five Delaware stores in Smyrna, Dover, Milford, Georgetown and Laurel.
• The University of Delaware – $8,846, to install three Level 3 Charging Stations on the University of Delaware Campus, including one public charging station.
• Sharp Energy – $86,375, to install propane fueling stations at three Delaware school yards in Red Clay, Sutton Bus and School Mule.

“Delaware has been a leader in reducing emissions while still remaining dedicated to economic growth as well as promoting the health of our residents and our environment,” said Governor Markell. “Through our participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and the Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program, we’ve been able to secure funding that helps us reduce our environmental footprint and combat climate change by promoting the use of alternative fuels and supporting alternative fuel infrastructure throughout the state.”

“Today’s conference was an opportunity to bring together a diverse group which can learn from each other about our challenges and economically beneficial solutions for reducing environmental impacts from transportation,” said DNREC Secretary Small. “Promoting and supporting the use of vehicles powered by cleaner alternative fuels such as electricity, propane and natural gas plays a vital role in our mission to grow Delaware’s clean energy economy, reduce transportation’s environmental footprint and fight the long-term effects of climate change in our state.”

Fueling the Future participants also had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of alternative fuel cars and ride in alternative fuel commercial vehicles, including propane and natural gas school buses, trucks, emergency vehicles and vans, as well as passenger electric vehicles such as DNREC’s new fleet Ford Focus Electric.

“When it comes to contributing to climate preparation and resiliency, the importance of using alternative fuels cannot be overstated,” said Clean Transportation Policy Analyst Kathy Harris, Division of Energy & Climate. “Delaware’s growing alternative fuel network offers progressive opportunities for improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions threatening our state. We invite Delaware’s transportation professionals who could not be with us today to contact us to learn more about possible grants and rebates to help them take positive action for our environment.”

For more information on clean transportation initiatives, rebates and funding opportunities offered through the Division of Energy & Climate, please visit Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program, or call DNREC’s Division of Energy and Climate at 302-735-3480.

Delaware’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program (CTIP) includes two competitive grant programs that provide financial incentives for the development of alternative fueling infrastructure and promote innovative transportation projects that decrease greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware. It also includes three rebate programs for purchasing passenger vehicles, tractor trailer trucks and electric vehicle charging equipment. All rebates and grants are open to Delaware residents, businesses, non-profits, fleets and state, county and municipal governments for vehicles titled and registered in Delaware. CTIP is funded by Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a market-based cap-and-trade program designed to reduce carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity generation sector. Delaware’s proceeds from RGGI are invested in energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Proceeds also support consumer benefit programs that spur innovation in a clean energy economy and create green jobs. Administered through DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate, CTIP supports Governor Markell’s goals of creating a clean energy economy, ensuring cleaner air and reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. For more information, visit de.gov/cleantransportation.

The Delaware Clean Cities Coalition, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Program, is housed within the Delaware Division of Energy & Climate, and comprises more than 40 stakeholders from state and local governments, fuel suppliers, vehicle retailers, fleet owners, non-profit organizations and other interested parties.

Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 185

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