The Wisconsin Diesel Truck Idling Reduction Grant Program is designed to assist common, contract and private motor carriers in the purchase and installation of idling reduction technology. The program's primary goals are to help Wisconsin motor carriers reduce air pollution emissions and fuel consumption and to provide useful field testing data.

Last year, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) received a tremendous response from the trucking industry with over $6.1 million in requests for funding. The program will award $1 million in grants in 2007. Commerce anticipates the response to be even greater for the 2007 grant cycle.

Motor carriers are eligible for up to 70 percent reimbursement for the purchase and installation of idling reduction equipment. Applications will be accepted beginning July 1, 2007.

Some questions to consider prior to applying:

• Are you headquartered in the state of Wisconsin?
• Do you own and operate the truck-tractor?
• Is your truck-tractor 1999 or newer?
• If you are an owner/operator is your residence in Wisconsin?

The field testing data received from the past year's participants will be analyzed and reported on the Commerce website later this year. Applications and further information are available on the website as well at http://commerce.wi.gov/dieselgrantprogram.

-- Jean Beckwith

The newsletter is issued electronically every other month.

Please send comments or questions to Barbro McGinn, editor.