DALLAS — Attention to detail is the biggest key for trucking companies seeking grants or tax credits for using alternative fuels such as natural gas in their fleets, according to an executive with the lead sponsor of this week's ACT Expo show here.
“Normally, there is a fair amount of competition with these programs, so understanding why an agency is offering the funding, and how can you show your project meets its goals” can lead to a successful program, said Carolyn McGough, senior program manager for Gladstein, Neandross & Associates.
Because adding equipment powered by liquefied or compressed natural gas can typically tack on $50,000 or more to a truck's price tag, many fleets seek financing assistance from state, federal or local programs.
“I think the distinction is what kind of grants you're looking for, in terms of natural-gas truck deployments and infrastructure,” said McGough, who spoke about grants in an American Trucking Associations webinar late last month.
In 2009, the federal government offered various grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act via the Clean Cities program. They provide funding for new technologies and research and development, she said, adding that she has also seen a number of new programs develop in the past couple of years, including tax-credit legislation in Indiana, Georgia and other states.
Texas state grants have helped several fleets in that state add CNG vehicles, and Florida has a relatively new program for fleets that add natural gas, or propane, under which Jacksonville-based Raven Transport recently added LNG trucks to its fleet.
McGough will chair a session called “Show Me the Money: Grants, Tax Programs” on May 6 at ACT Expo.
