Owners and operators of short-haul dray trucks that serve the Port of Baltimore are encouraged to apply for incentives to purchase newer, cleaner running trucks under a program underwritten by federal and state funds. The Maryland Port Administration (MPA)/Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced today that it is providing funding to enhance the Mid-Atlantic Dray Truck Replacement Program, which is funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and administered by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association (MARAMA) and the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center. The Port of Baltimore Clean Diesel Program in cooperation with the Mid-Atlantic Dray Truck Replacement Program will provide $20,000 each toward the cost of a newer vehicle that meets or exceeds the 2007 EPA emission certified engine standard.

Dray trucks are large diesel trucks that are used to haul freight from port facilities to nearby local distribution points. Many dray trucks are older vehicles with high emission rates.

Trucks applying for the Dray Truck Replacement Program will be prioritized through a set of criteria, including the age of the truck and the number of trips it takes to and from the Port of Baltimore. Replacement trucks’ engines will be no older than 2007 models. An important aspect of the program is that the old vehicle being replaced must be scrapped, so that it will not remain in service and create pollution.

“The Port Administration is committed to the continuous improvement of air emissions at the Port of Baltimore, and the Dray Truck Replacement Program is an important continuation of our Clean Diesel Program of the last few years,” said MPA Deputy Executive Director M. Kathleen Broadwater.

“Helping truck owners replace old dray trucks with newer, cleaner vehicles will improve air quality near truck routes and port facilities,” said MARAMA Executive Director Susan Wierman. “We’re very pleased that the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Port Administration are helping expand our EPA-funded regional program to reduce diesel emissions, reduce costs for Maryland businesses, and improve Maryland’s quality of life.”

New Program to Help Clean the Air at Port of Baltimore

“The dray truck replacement program is a great example of how a government and industry partnership should work,” said Maryland Motor Truck Association President Louis Campion. “The program’s goals are admirable – reducing emissions from trucks operating at the Port of Baltimore to promote cleaner air for everyone’s benefit, and the public sector is giving private industry the tools to achieve those objectives.

Interested trucking companies may find information about how to apply for the $20,000 per vehicle incentive at the Mid-Atlantic Dray Truck Program web site (www.efc.umd.edu/cleandiesel) The University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center is processing applications for the program. More information is available at (301) 405-3577.