Grant dollars to benefit propane refueling, recharging solutions

Photo courtesy of PERC

The Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration opened applications for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program. Up to $700 million will be made available through grants for publicly accessible fueling and charging infrastructure in a community or projects to support alternative fuel corridors.

Grants can fund the installation of propane autogas refueling solutions for medium-duty (Class 3-7) fleets or propane-powered recharging solutions for EV fleets, according to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).

“The goal of this program is to rapidly improve access to alternative fuel options and ensure energy equity by doing so in areas that have been historically underserved,” says Steve Whaley, director of autogas business development with PERC. “The fastest and most-cost effective way to achieve that goal is by implementing propane autogas refueling and propane-powered recharging infrastructure. Both options are affordable, available and can accelerate our nation’s decarbonization and clean air efforts.”

Propane autogas has a range of up to 400 miles on a single refuel, the performance to carry heavier payloads and the affordability to provide the lowest total cost of ownership, says PERC.

To maximize investments, the portable dual-purpose standalone fueling system from Propane Fueling Solutions can both refuel propane autogas and recharge EVs within the same infrastructure.

“Whether agencies choose to implement propane autogas refueling stations or propane-powered recharging, the real winners here are the communities that benefit from the cleaner air,” Whaley says. “Today’s propane autogas engines reduce harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 94 percent, and propane-powered generators for light commercial microgrids are significantly cleaner than diesel with near-zero NOx and carbon monoxide emissions, as well as a 24 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.”

Grant applications must be submitted through grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on May 30. PERC offers grant-writing support at propane.com/contact.

Eligible applicants include:

• States or political subdivision of states.
• Metropolitan planning organizations.
• Unit of local governments.
• Special purpose districts or public authorities with a transportation function, including port authorities.
• Indian tribes.
• U.S. Territories.
• Authorities, agencies, or instrumentalities or entities owned by one or more entities listed above.
• Group of entities listed above.
• State or local authorities with ownership of publicly accessible transportation facilities (applies to Community Program only).